Just this past August, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommended to the Drug Enforcement Administration that marijuana be reclassified from a Schedule I controlled substance to a Schedule III controlled substance. A Schedule III classification will impact our ability to conduct medical research, establish taxation policies, and decriminalize the use of marijuana.
Our neighbors to the north — Michigan — passed recreational marijuana into law in 2019, creating over 35,000 new jobs and have a projected 2023 revenue of $2.70 billion. Many Ohioans travel to Michigan to purchase cannabis—passing Issue 2 helps keep Ohioans money in Ohio. Furthermore, Research shows that the regulation of marijuana could void the illegal underground market while also bringing in up to $400M in municipal and state tax dollars by 2028.
Issue 2 would allow Ohioans to have personal freedoms as it relates to personal consumption. There are limits, much like alcohol; but it would create social equity programs to help more people from our community to access grow licenses.
Recent polls suggest that 57% of Ohioans support the recreational use of marijuana. I am in that number. I am supporting Issue 2 because I believe that it will be good long-term for our community to root out the over-criminalization of marijuana and create entrepreneurial opportunities in the field of agriculture. I am supporting Issue 2 and I do not use nor do I have a desire to use marijuana, but I acknowledge the medicinal benefits of the plant for many of my neighbors. Voting yes on Issue 2 helps shape a better, more equitable, and more responsible Ohio.
Desiree Tims is President & CEO of Innovation Ohio.