By Veronica Morgan
The State of Ohio may be the first to legalize recreational and medical use of marijuana, when voter turn out in November.
This November, voters in Ohio will decide whether or not to decriminalize the use of cannabis. The issue is even more complicated than it is elsewhere due to another issue on the ballot that could negate a positive vote for marijuana.
State lawmakers, seeking to outlaw monopolies in the state constitution, backed Issue 2.
Should it pass, it could negate Issue 3, the Marijuana legislation, even if Issue 3 is approved by voters. If passed, Issue 3 would make Ohio the very first state to legalize both medicinal and recreational use of marijuana. As a groundbreaking piece of legislation, the Ohio election has garnered a lot of interest, within the state and afar.
Proponents of Issue 2 focus on monopoly of the business.
Issue 2 was formed in direct opposition to the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, due to a caveat that would allow 10 growers/sellers in all of Ohio. Issue 2 objects to what backers see is an” initiative that could create an economic monopoly or special privilege for any nonpublic entity, including individuals, corporations and organizations.”
The League of Women Voters teamed with the Dayton Daily News, WHIO Radio, and News Center 7 in the Dayton area.
Together they will present a town hall meeting at Sinclair Community College’s Smith Auditorium, Building 12, on Wednesday, September 23 from 7-8:30 p.m.
The event is appropriately titled: Marijuana: Ohio Decides.
The meeting will be broadcast live on the radio at 1290 AM and News 95.7 FM, and will be streamed live at WHIO.com.
After the forum, there will also be a live call-in program for listeners who may want more information. Organizers hope to reach as many Ohioans as possible, so they can make an informed decision in November.
The panel will consist of several representatives from ResponsibleOhio, the group supporting Issue 3; The Dayton Chamber of Commerce, who oppose decriminalization, and medical and legal representatives.
Proponents of Issue 3 are also out in the community.
Questions for the experts can be sent in advance, by going to the Ohio Politics Facebook page or email them to anthony.shoemaker@coxinc.com. You can also save your inquiries for the call-in program directly following the forum.
All interested parties are encouraged to join the discussion by attending, listening to radio or TV broadcast, or the on-line stream. You can also visit Dayton Daily News’ special page dedicated to this issue. The web site contains all the Ohio news related to legalization: for and against.
