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Backers of a measure to legalize marijuana have signatures to place on November ballot
By Marc Kovac
COLUMBUS
Backers of a constitutional amendment to legalize marijuana for medicinal and recreational uses said Tuesday they have more than 550,000 signatures in hand toward their effort to place the issue on the November ballot.
ResponsibleOhio spokeswoman Lydia Bolander confirmed the total and said the group is targeting July 1 to submit petitions to the secretary of state’s office.
“We want to be gathering as long as we can,” she said.
ResponsibleOhio needs more than 300,000 signatures to qualify for the general election.
Groups often gather about twice the required number to ensure they have enough valid names from registered voters in hand.
ResponsibleOhio has proposed a structure to regulate marijuana production and sales in the state.
Its amendment outlines 10 sites where marijuana could be grown, including locations in Hudson in Summit County and Alliance in Stark County, and five testing facilities to check drug supplies for potency and safety, including a site in Mahoning County.
Retail sales of the drug would be taxed at 5 percent, while growers and processors would pay a 15 percent tax on their purchases.
The ballot language also would allow anyone 21 or older to grow up to four marijuana plants at home, as long as they have obtained permits in advance and the growing area is secure.
ResponsibleOhio voiced confidence Tuesday that it has enough petition signatures to earn a spot on the November ballot.
“We’re proud to have the support of so many Ohioans in our effort to legalize medical marijuana for the chronically ill and for personal use by Ohioans 21 years and older,” Ian James, executive director of the group, said in a released statement. “... Roughly 10 percent of our petition signers have completed a voter registration form in order to update their registration or to register for the first time. It is exciting to see so many people take an interest in this movement and register to vote. By data entering and cross-checking signatures against the voter file, we will pre-certify for the ballot and be well-positioned to translate this early enthusiasm into votes at the ballot box.”
Attorney General Mike DeWine, Secretary of State Jon Husted and other statewide Republicans are not backing the effort.
Husted last month encouraged lawmakers to begin discussions on potential state law changes related to marijuana usage before the issue hits the ballot, while DeWine said his office is studying medical marijuana policy.
Republican state Auditor Dave Yost also is urging lawmakers to pursue policy changes to prevent ballot issues that create monopolies within the state constitution that financially benefit selected companies or groups.