Ohio Governor Condemns Recreational Cannabis Measure
The debate over recreational weed in Ohio is close to boiling as the arguments on both sides heat up. Buckle up, folks— This is a juicy one.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has taken a firm stance against a ballot measure set for November that aims to legalize and regulate recreational weed. Governor DeWine, who secured his re-election in 2022, expressed his reservations during a meeting with the Governor’s Executive Workforce Board. He remarked, “I think it would be a real mistake for us to have recreational marijuana.“
The comments from Governor DeWine coincided with the qualification of the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol campaign for the upcoming election. This ballot initiative’s approval followed a long, drawn-out process featuring a bunch of lawsuits and signature verification measures. All that aside, DeWine cited his personal concerns based on his experience visiting Colorado after its legalization.
“I went out there and talked to the people at the children’s hospital, law enforcement, and to people in business. It is an unmitigated disaster,” DeWine said.
He said today’s recreational marijuana “is not your grandparents’ marijuana” — it’s more potent. He also pointed out the negative consequences he “observed” during his visit, including an increase in emergency room visits related to marijuana ingestion, particularly among toddlers.
Proponents of the measure argue that the governor’s apprehensions are overstated. Tom Haren, the chair of the Cannabis Law Group in Cleveland and spokesperson for the legalization effort, thinks these statements are a total crock, saying, “The governor must not have spoken to anybody from Colorado recently because what I can tell you is their program is a huge success.“
And he’s right— weed is different these days. Today’s cannabis is subject to rigorous testing and quality control measures, unlike the unregulated products found in the black market, which is still thriving in Ohio. Sure, they’re more potent, but they’re regulated, taxed, and available for people who will find ways to use it one way or another.
“I’ll tell you why it’s not your grandfather’s marijuana: your grandfather’s marijuana wasn’t tested in a pharmaceutical-grade testing lab. It wasn’t produced in a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) quality cultivation facility, right? It wasn’t subject to a statewide rigorous regulatory framework.“
Haren disputed the portrayal of Colorado’s marijuana program as a disaster, stating that it has been successful and remains in place without any repeal efforts. He emphasized that Ohio already has an unregulated black market, and the proposed ballot measure aims to provide a regulated and safer alternative that can help eliminate the black market, pouring money into the state.
Governor DeWine’s concerns primarily revolve around the potential impact on public health and safety. He urged Ohioans to “look what’s happened in other states and see if we really want to bring that to Ohio.” The governor’s opposition contrasts the momentum seen in other states, as Delaware and Minnesota recently legalized marijuana via the legislative process in 2023.
That said, his concerns are valid, though they may be a little antiquated. Other states fully embrace recreational cannabis, and it’s generally accepted well.
If Ohio were to approve the legalization measure, it would become the 24th state to legalize recreational weed. The state would also implement a 10% tax on cannabis sales, contributing to state revenue. And let’s face it, the state could use some money to fix up the roads. Have you seen I-71 lately?
As the debate continues, Ohioans will have to weigh the pros and cons of legalizing weed, considering both Governor DeWine’s public health concerns and the arguments put forth by proponents of the measure like Haren. The decision will ultimately shape the state’s approach to cannabis legalization and its potential implications for public health, safety, and revenue generation.
What side are you on?
