When it comes to marijuana, ResponsibleOhio’s message is simple.
If marijuana is legalized, proponents say law enforcement officials can focus on what they feel are more dangerous narcotics.
In addition, they feel it would help improve the state’s health care and the economy.
That’s why officials with the group are in the midst of a bus tour throughout Ohio to try to get marijuana legalized in the state.
The tour will be making more than 150 stops throughout Ohio to raise awareness about Issue 3, one they feel will make a positive impact for the state.
“It’s an opportunity,” Outreach Director Michael McGovern said Monday morning during a tour stop in downtown Bucyrus. “(This will bring) tens of thousands of jobs (to Ohio), medicinal marijuana to help sick people (and to stop) a failed Prohibition that has caused damage to our communities.”
Communications Specialist Haley Phillippi said that the legalization of pot will help law enforcement officials.
“So by being able to legalize marijuana, police can focus on hard criminals, heroin and opiates,” she said.
If passed, the state issue would legalize the medical and personal use of marijuana for adults over 21.
According to ballot language, the use of medical marijuana would require a doctor’s note. A recreational user of marijuana would be permitted to possess one ounce of the drug or less. Someone choosing to grow marijuana at home for personal use would be permitted to grow four flowering plants at a given time with a cultivation license.
But opponents say the proposed amendment is bad public policy.
“No business should be able to use the Constitution to guarantee its business,” Ohio Farm Bureau president Steve Hirsch recently told reporters. “It is also unwise and likely costly to create a state law that is in conflict with federal law.”
