As voters head to the polls tomorrow, MedicateOH wants to give Ohioans a few final thoughts about Issue 2 to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol and how you can participate in the final advocacy push today and tomorrow.
Issue 2: A Lot to Consider
On the eve of voting day, there is a lot to consider when making your decision at the polls. This year, Ohioans have the chance to vote for legalized adult-use cannabis. This is only the second time in the last twenty years that a group has been successful at getting this issue on the ballot. MedicateOH has done its best to give you accurate updates about Issue 2 and now it is time to explore what needs to be considered if it passes.
The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol have given us a chance to change the way Ohio interacts with cannabis. Now, the citizens must choose whether or not they want this change.
However, with great changes, there can be room for misinformation. When it comes to the harsh laws surrounding cannabis, this is not a time to be misinformed.
Here are some positive things to consider about Issue 2:
- Issue 2 can provide job opportunities and increase state revenue
- Low excise tax compared to other states.
- If you do not qualify for a medical card, you will still have access to cannabis.
- Home grow will give power back to the people.
- Medical cards are still necessary for possession limits and pricing purposes, as well as potential added protection from discrimination or penalty.
However, there are things to keep in mind and to track after the election, such as:
- Legalized cannabis does not mean you can sell to your friends.
- Lack of employment protections – You can still be penalized for testing positive for THC.
- Issue 2 language says it will extend protections to adults who use cannabis at their leisure, but it is not well-defined.
- Guns and cannabis should still remain separate from each other.
- Lack of housing protections – You still have to follow the rules in your rent agreement.
It is also very important to understand that the law does not go into effect until 30 days after the election.
As an initiated statute, the law technically would go into effect 30 days after the election. However, that doesn’t mean that’s when you’ll have the right to buy cannabis at a dispensary or grow it at home. The newly-formed Ohio Division of Marijuana Control will issue further guidance. Citizens should not make any presumptions that the passage of this act will prevent them from potential charges.
You will have to wait until a dispensary is given their license to sell adult-use cannabis, as well as have adult-use cannabis in stock to make your first purchase. Just because “purchasing cannabis” will be legalized, it does not mean you are free to buy from your friend down the road. Legal sales will be limited to licensed dispensaries. In the meantime, you may want to get or renew your medical marijuana card until these laws take effect. Legal sales will be limited to licensed dispensaries. It could be up to a year before adult use product is available in Ohio dispensaries.
What do I need to do after voting?
A few items to keep in mind after the election, if Issue 2 passes:
- Be sure to look over your lease to see if there are any specific rules about using cannabis in your home. Landlords will still have the right to prohibit cannabis use. If you cannot smoke or vape cannabis indoors, make sure you have a legal and safe space to use cannabis outside, away from playgrounds and children. Public cannabis consumption will be treated the same as public alcohol consumption. If you can’t do it with alcohol, you can’t do it with cannabis.
- Review your employee handbook. Check in with your employer on how they will handle this law change. There are no employment protections currently written into this law, so your boss may still test you for THC, even if you only use cannabis at home.
- Protect yourself, and stay informed. Subscribe to MedicateOH for all of your cannabis updates.
Ways to Participate in Issue 2 Advocacy today and tomorrow
Tonight! Online
Join MedicateOH and other advocates on Wayward Media’s Issue 2 Info Sesh 6-8 p.m tonight.
Tomorrow!
6-7 p.m. Entourage Connect, 1242 N High st
7:00 PM – 11:00 Half Baked, 765 N High St, Columbus
###
