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Legal marijuana group plans new push in 2016
By Marc Kovac
COLUMBUS
The head of the campaign behind a failed constitutional amendment to legalize and regulate marijuana in the state said the group’s next effort will include a “free-market” approach and provisions to allow home-grown plants without state permits.
In what was called “An Open Letter to Ohioans,” Ian James, executive director of Responsible-Ohio, outlined the “shortcomings” of this month’s Issue 3 and vowed to pursue a new marijuana legalization effort in the new year.
Copies of the letter were distributed to reporters Wednesday.
“Yes, like the first campaigns for legalization in California, Colorado and Oregon, we fell short of securing majority voter support,” James wrote.
“But like all those states, we are rebounding, and we have the chance to be the first state in the Midwest to legalize. In doing so, we must develop a ballot issue that complies with newly passed Issue 2.”
He added, “Marijuana legalization is coming back to the ballot in 2016. We’ll be back with a strong free-market plan, and it’s only with your help and input that we can make it the best plan for all of Ohio.”
Issue 3 failed on Election Day, with about two-thirds of voters opposing.
The amendment specified 10 initial marijuana-production sites and five testing facilities.
Personal or recreational use would have been limited to adults 21 and older, with provisions for home-grown plants and supplies.
Production sites would have paid a flat 15 percent tax on their gross revenues, while retailers would have faced a 5 percent tax.
Backers made it clear on election night that they would pursue a subsequent effort to legalize marijuana in Ohio.
House Speaker Cliff Rosenber-ger, R-Clarksville, told reporters after Election Day his chamber also would consider the legalization of medical marijuana, though he said lawmakers would take a “measured” approach to the process.
In his letter, James noted voters were not supportive of the commercial production plan outlined in Issue 3 – namely the designation of 10 initial sites, with specific facility location details included in the amendment language.
“Our next plan will include a free market for people to own and operate their own grow, manufacturing and retail facilities,” he wrote.
“The plan will ensure that the industry is treated like other businesses in regards to taxation.”
James also said his group would continue to pursue a separate initiative that would allow residents to wipe certain drug-related offenses from their criminal records, should marijuana use become legal in Ohio.
ResponsibleOhio already submitted the required petition signatures to force its proposed Fresh Start Act before lawmakers.
Absent legislative action, the issue could be put on the ballot pending the collection of additional signatures by supporters.