Marijuana legalization group seeks ballot issue

SANDUSKY — The possible vote over abortion that's looming ahead in the fall election isn't the only controversial social issue that might be on the ballot. Abortion advocates filed petition signatures this week to put abortion rights on the ballot this fall. But a marijuana legalization advocacy group that wants to make recreational use legal also filed this week to get ballot access in the fall. Both proposals must now go through a process before getting on the November ballot, including verifications that the petitions have enough signatures from registered voters. The moves come as Ohio voters are going to the polls on Aug. 8 to vote on Issue 1, a proposed constitutional amendment. Passage would raise the number of votes needed to approve a state ballot issue to amend the constitution to a 60% majority. While passage of that question would make it harder to pass a pro-abortion question, it would not affect the cannabis question, according to Tom Haren, an attorney who is the spokesman for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol. Haren explained that his petition comes under the initiated statute process. As it's an attempt to change the law, not to amend the constitution, it's not affected by the fate of the Aug. 8 vote, Haren said. The marijuana coalition's effort actually is a two-step process. The group first collected signatures to force the Ohio General Assembly to consider its legalization proposal. When lawmakers responded by doing nothing, Haren's group was allowed by law to collect another round of signatures to try to force the proposal on the ballot. The coalition's proposal would allow adults 21 and over to possess and use marijuana beyond medicinal purposes. Ohio currently only allows medical marijuana use for patients who can prove they have certain medical conditions. If approved, the state would collect a 10% tax on sales. Coalition members highlighted how 23 states have legalized cannabis consumption for adults, including Michigan and Illinois. The effect of legalization on other states likely will be a talking point for both sides. A conservative group, the Coalition for Christian Virtue, denounced marijuana legalization in a press release responding to Haren's group. "Google 'legalized marijuana' in states like California, Oregon, Michigan and Colorado to see how devastating legalizing recreational marijuana is. Out-of-control black markets, traffic fatalities, workplace safety issues and increased incidents of psychosis and suicides among children can all be expected unless responsible Ohioans hold the line in opposing the commercialization of marijuana in our state," group police director David Mahan said. Haren contends that "the sky hasn't fallen" in states that have legalized marijuana. A "no" vote also means that Michigan will continue to collect significant tax revenue from Ohioans who drive to Michigan to buy marijuana, Haren contends. Go to any marijuana dispensary in southeast Michigan and "count the number of Ohio license plates" in the parking lot, he suggests. While Ohio lawmakers have shunned various bills to legalize marijuana in Ohio — proposals by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have gone nowhere — they have ignored sales of Delta 8 THC, a substance chemically similar to the active ingredient of marijuana that produces effects similar to marijuana. Delta 8 THC is widely sold throughout Ohio in CBD shops with little regulation for health and safety or for preventing underage purchases. In Michigan, and typically in states that have legalized cannabis sales, customers must produce an ID to prove they are old enough before they are even allowed into the showroom where marijuana is displayed. Ohio residents also can order Delta 8 THC products in the mail, a process that also doesn't lend itself to close regulation by authorities. Haren, asked if the Delta 8 THC situation is an argument for a regulated marijuana marketplace, said he did not have any comment. "We are focused on our own proposal," he said. Regulation of other cannabinoids is for "another day and another conversation." Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has said he opposes legalizing marijuana in Ohio. Polls suggest Ohio voters support legalizing marijuana, Haren said, and it's the voters who will make the final decision.