Ohioans Who Want To End The Drug War Should Vote Yes On Issue 3

[Norby]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sam-tracy/ohioans-who-want-to-end-t_b_8408202.html

 

In less than a week, Ohioans casting their ballots will be faced with a difficult decision: how to vote on Issue 3, which would legalize marijuana for both medical and personal use while putting the Initiative's funders in complete control of cultivating the highly lucrative plant. Despite its many shortcomings, voters who want to end the war on marijuana in Ohio and add to the national movement's momentum should vote yes on Issue 3.

And yes, there are a lot of shortcomings. The prospect of giving an oligopoly on marijuana cultivation to a small group of wealthy individuals has enraged legalizers and prohibitionists alike, with the main opposition group even calling itself (somewhat inaccurately) No Marijuana Monopoly. Influential organizations like the Drug Policy Alliance and Marijuana Policy Project are even sitting out this campaign because of it. Yet other scandals have plagued the campaign, from creating a ridiculous marijuana-headed mascot to demonizing much more sensible regulations in Colorado in order to scare voters into supporting highly restrictive rules. Activists and voters are right to condemn the campaign for this misbehavior.

Yet, no matter how irresponsible ResponsibleOhio proves itself to be, neither imperfect regulations nor grudges against the campaign's leadership is reason to vote against legalizing marijuana. Activists must remember the reason we joined this movement in the first place: not to get rich, but to end the atrocities committed as part of the War on Drugs. Because 13,000 Ohioans should not be arrested for marijuana each year. Because prohibition is disproportionately enforced against low-income communities and people of color. Because relegating marijuana to the black market only makes consuming and obtaining it more dangerous. Because a high school student shouldn't be driven to suicide by teachers who told him ruined he ruined his life by smelling like marijuana.

Moving from prohibition to legalization, no matter the specifics, is always a step in the right direction. With an issue as important as ending the War on Drugs, we can't let perfect be the enemy of good. And despite all of Issue 3's flaws, there are actually a lot of worse laws out there (all of which were supported by the reform movement, albeit grudgingly at times). New York's medical marijuana law only allows for five companies in the entire state, each running their own cultivation, processing, and dispensaries -- far more restrictive than leaving cultivation to 10 companies and allowing a free market for processing and retail. Minnesota only allows two, and like New York, doesn't allow any smokeable products to be sold. Connecticut, while allowing smokeable cannabis, still only has four cultivators and six dispensaries in the entire state. And I won't get into the even more restrictive CBD-only laws that, despite being practically ineffective, are typically viewed as small steps forward by reformers.

Legalizing marijuana in Ohio would not be a small step, but a giant leap for the national movement to end the War on Drugs. This Midwestern state is widely seen by political strategists as a barometer for the rest of the nation, so adopting legalization would have a huge impact on the 2016 presidential race. It would be impossible to write off legalization as a few liberal states experimenting with new ideas, proving that it enjoys broad public support across the country. A victory in Ohio would also add momentum to the five states voting to legalize in 2016 -- Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Arizona, and California -- and make opponents second-guess dropping huge political donations on a lost cause. It would also be the first state to legalize both medical and recreational marijuana in one fell swoop, opening the door for others to do the same.

Now, some critics may say that passing ResponsibleOhio would also open the door for similar oligopolies and irresponsible campaigns in other states. To be fair, this is true -- but it would still be a net gain for the fight against prohibition. The most progressive states have already legalized marijuana, and other deep-blue states like California and Massachusetts will do so soon. But if this model is what it takes to open the door to legal marijuana in Oklahoma or Arkansas, we should welcome such campaigns. Once legalization is adopted, there will be many opportunities to amend and tweak the laws and regulations. Ohio's Issue 3 allows the state government to expand the number of cultivation sites if the existing 10 don't meet demand, and since the state has been hostile to ResponsibleOhio, it's reasonable to expect officials would eliminate their oligopoly as soon as possible. Since the initiative will create hundreds of thriving processors & dispensaries, those businesses could also get together to fund a new initiative that opens up cultivation to everyone, or the legislature could refer a question that removes the oligopoly while keeping legalization intact (unlike this year's Issue 2, which may block legalization entirely if passed).

Since it would bring an end to the tragedies of marijuana prohibition, add momentum to the national legalization movement, and can be improved later on, Issue 3 would absolutely be a net gain for Ohio and the country. As conventional political wisdom says, "So goes Ohio, so goes the nation." Presented with the opportunity to send Ohio and the nation towards marijuana legalization, those who believe in reform would be foolish not to.

I hope this convinced supporters of marijuana legalization to vote Yes on Issue 3, but if you're still on the fence, listen to the debate I recently co-moderated on my podcast This Week in Drugs and see which guest you think makes the better case.

[Norby]

How come we aren't one of the states listed for 2016?

[t-pain]

because milegalize is still collecting signatures. like many other states and many other initiatives fail because they dont get enough signatures.

[beourbud]

What a load of crap.

 

This is an insult to the intelligence of the voters of Ohio.

 

"Take this bill and shove it ". We don't trust you any more.

 

Take your lieing cheating self and head right out the door.

 

We the People Have seen the light and you ain't screwing us No More!.

 

So take this bill and shove it.....We don't trust you any more.

[Restorium2]

How come we aren't one of the states listed for 2016?

Because people here are not a stupid as you think we are. Ohio? We will see. 

 

Can you imagine how hard it will be to turn the prohibition ship around once they have set up their slave trade in Ohio? Might as well have some shackles as a logo. Slave on quasi legalization activists. You got a little drool there on your chin buddy. 

[Norby]

Fuk off Resto!  Only you would think growing your own is slavery.  You just think everything should be GIVEN to you.

Edited October 30, 2015 by Norby

[Restorium2]

Fuk off Resto!  Only you would think growing your own is slavery.  You just think everything should be GIVEN to you.

I see you have a full head of steam this morning. LOL Better slow down their son. The drool turned into a froth!

[Norby]

Because people here are not a stupid as you think we are. Ohio? We will see. 

 

Can you imagine how hard it will be to turn the prohibition ship around once they have set up their slave trade in Ohio? Might as well have some shackles as a logo. Slave on quasi legalization activists. You got a little drool there on your chin buddy. 

You didn't even read the article, did you?

[Restorium2]

You didn't even read the article, did you?

LOL Priceless!

[Restorium2]

I think that Slavery reference was spot and and it hits home quite well. Truth hurts.

 

Maybe you can set up penalties by number of lashes since the jails are full? 

 

Ever notice how popular penalties are these days?

 

Everyone wants their new laws and new penalties.

 

Well, not everyone, you know the type ....

Edited October 30, 2015 by Restorium2

[Restorium2]

Fuk off Resto!  Only you would think growing your own is slavery.  You just think everything should be GIVEN to you.

In the context of no penalties that I advocate for, yes, I don't think I should have to pay for that.

 

Grow rights? Right to grow my own marijuana? Yes, I don't think I should have to pay for that. It should be given to me.

 

Maybe you are on to something there Norb, never really thought about it that way.

 

How much $$ you want to free the slaves? Maybe we can strike a dealeo. 

[imiubu]

[Norby]

Funny, Mal has the same view as I on responsibleohio and MiLegalize.  But you seem to only choose to go after me for saying something about them.  Is it the message or messenger you have problems with.  You are see thru Resto.

 

I think there are a lot of people who wouldn't like the slavery comparison.  Maybe you should ask them if they think it's the same.  I don't think slaves could grow their own and sit around smoking all day while someone else did the work of getting the laws changed.  See i don't criticize the people who do the actual work and sit around complaining specifically to the people I don't like while giving everyone else a pass.  Admit it resto, you have a thing for me.

Edited October 30, 2015 by Norby

[Restorium2]

Funny, Mal has the same view as I on responsibleohio and MiLegalize.  But you seem to only choose to go after me for saying something about them.  Is it the message or messenger you have problems with.  You are see thru Resto.

 

I think there are a lot of people who wouldn't like the slavery comparison.  Maybe you should ask them if they think it's the same.  I don't think slaves could grow their own and sit around smoking all day while someone else did the work of getting the laws changed.  See i don't criticize the people who do the actual work and sit around complaining specifically to the people I don't like while giving everyone else a pass.  Admit it resto, you have a thing for me.

You write some pretty terrible ideas on an almost daily basis. You are my opposition. None of your ideas ever fit with my ideals. You want to belittle me by saying I sit around and smoke all day. You prove to me every day that you are terrible for me and mine. I will never quit fighting people with your ideals.

[Norby]

And you seem to enjoy the bunny muffin out of buggin anyone you can who thinks different than you.  You demonize them and troll the site.  you think it's your job to correct everyone and you haven't even shown the ability of critical thinking.  You hold on to your radical far left view and expect everyone to just believe you when you can't logically prove anything you say.  I ask you questions about what to say to people who think differently and your answer is to ram it down their throat. You have this inflated ego that you are the responsible one around here protecting everyone from the evil oppressors, so much so that you can't even see that there are people out there who truly don't care who grows it as long as they can grow a little for themselves.  But your so egocentric that you think they don't know what they want.

 

I don't think the pots working for you buddy. You think you riled me because I told you to fuk off, well you were reading the inflection wrong, sorry. Your not maddening you are annoying and pitiful.  I feel bad that you can't see that you focus anger on me for no reason since I have the same views as others who openly express them.  But your letting me live rent free in your head.  You look for my posts to troll.  See when someone puts up an article you generally discuss the article.  But you don't even read it and just go strait to attacking me.  I really feel sorry for you guys.  And the reason I can sympathize is because I was the same way.  I hope you heal and find peace.

Edited October 30, 2015 by Norby

[Restorium2]

And you seem to enjoy the bunny muffin out of buggin anyone you can who thinks different than you.  You demonize them and troll the site.  you think it's your job to correct everyone and you haven't even shown the ability of critical thinking.  You hold on to your radical far left view and expect everyone to just believe you when you can't logically prove anything you say.  I ask you questions about what to say to people who think differently and your answer is to ram it down their throat. You have this inflated ego that you are the responsible one around here protecting everyone from the evil oppressors, so much so that you can't even see that there are people out there who truly don't care who grows it as long as they can grow a little for themselves.  But your so egocentric that you think they don't know what they want.

 

I don't think the pots working for you buddy. You think you riled me because I told you to fuk off, well you were reading the inflection wrong, sorry. Your not maddening you are annoying and pitiful.  I feel bad that you can't see that you focus anger on me for no reason since I have the same views as others who openly express them.  But your letting me live rent free in your head.  You look for my posts to troll.  See when someone puts up an article you generally discuss the article.  But you don't even read it and just go strait to attacking me.  I really feel sorry for you guys.

Your ideals are very different than mine. Period. You think different and want completely different things than I want. We are night and day.

[Restorium2]

And you seem to enjoy the bunny muffin out of buggin anyone you can who thinks different than you.  You demonize them and troll the site.  you think it's your job to correct everyone and you haven't even shown the ability of critical thinking.  You hold on to your radical far left view and expect everyone to just believe you when you can't logically prove anything you say.  I ask you questions about what to say to people who think differently and your answer is to ram it down their throat. You have this inflated ego that you are the responsible one around here protecting everyone from the evil oppressors, so much so that you can't even see that there are people out there who truly don't care who grows it as long as they can grow a little for themselves.  But your so egocentric that you think they don't know what they want.

 

I don't think the pots working for you buddy. You think you riled me because I told you to fuk off, well you were reading the inflection wrong, sorry. Your not maddening you are annoying and pitiful.  I feel bad that you can't see that you focus anger on me for no reason since I have the same views as others who openly express them.  But your letting me live rent free in your head.  You look for my posts to troll.  See when someone puts up an article you generally discuss the article.  But you don't even read it and just go strait to attacking me.  I really feel sorry for you guys.  And the reason I can sympathize is because I was the same way.  I hope you heal and find peace.

Mean people suck. 

[Wild Bill]

 I don't think slaves could grow their own and sit around smoking all day while someone else did the work of getting the laws changed.

 

I don't think free men would have to ask permission from the government regarding what they can grow and what they can put in their own bodies.

 

Who owns you?

 

[Highlander]

Despite seeking opinions here and elsewhere, I have yet to get any answers.  My concern being that when the consumer feeds the fat cat, the fat cat will grow more powerful.  The fat cat I'm talking about could be a dispensary lobby group, LEO unions, or the limited licensees under the Ohio proposal, and more.

 

The more we fund the fat cat, the more powerful the fat cat grows and  the more the fat cat can fight against our rights and our interests.

 

If MJ taxes or fees are supplied to LEO, LEO will fight full legalization tooth and nail.

 

If dispensaries are allowed to make huge profits, they will try to squeeze the little guy to increase profits even more.  (See Arizona where patients lost grow rights if they live near dispensaries, or Washington where recreational sellers lobbied to get taxes raised on medical MJ)

 

Why would Ohio be any different if 10 people have the exclusive right to grow?  Won't those 10 people use the huge profits they make so that they can throw up barriers for the little guy?  Why wouldn't those already rich, soon to be richer 10 companies NOT try to change the law to ban personal grows and to prevent new growers from entering the market in four years?

 

Think of this in terms of Matty Moroun and the new Detroit-Windsor bridge.  Moroun is filthy rich already, and he owns the only bridge between Detroit and Windsor.  He's so rich, and so afraid of new competition that he spent over $31million to try to defeat the ballot initiative for the new bridge.  And now that plans for the new bridge are in the making, he is buying-up historical homes in an old Windsor neighborhood and letting them fall apart, so that once the bridge is operating, he'll have prime real estate to build a truck plaza and other supporting businesses.  The City of Windsor is actually trying to drag a case against him to the Canadian Supreme court to preserve these historical homes.

 

I just want to know why we should assume that the "lucky 10" in Ohio won't pull a Matty Moroun and spend big dollars to keep competition away - not only in Ohio, but in other states.

 

Imagine this law passing in Ohio.  In a year or two, you'll see 10 very wealthy companies running existing large scale marijuana businesses.  What's to stop them from dumping $30million+ into lobbying or supporting a ballot initiative in Michigan to eliminate the medical MJ program altogether and to implement a similar model in Michigan, this time without home grows?  I can picture it now - they lobby the Michigan legislature with a couple of stories of BHO explosions, some moldy buds grown in a basement, some lab tests shown contamination of "black market" buds, some estimates of new tax revenue, oh....and a wheelbarrow full of cash.  Look how easily the legislature passed the "Prairie Plant Systems" bill.

 

If Michigan has a republican controlled legislature and a republican governor, how much in campaign contributions will it take to get laws written the way the "Ohio 10" want?

[imiubu]

YES ^^

 

"Why would Ohio be any different if 10 people have the exclusive right to grow?  Won't those 10 people use the huge profits they make so that they can throw up barriers for the little guy?  Why wouldn't those already rich, soon to be richer 10 companies NOT try to change the law to ban personal grows and to prevent new growers from entering the market in four years?"

 

That ^^ is simple enough EVERYONE (to say very emphatically the word so many of you throw around... as if everyone...) should be able to 'get it' now.

[Norby]

I don't think free men would have to ask permission from the government regarding what they can grow and what they can put in their own bodies.

 

Who owns you?

 

Ya, comparing it to slavery is a bit over the top.  Who owns me, what kind of question is that? We're talking what's on the table. Did you read the article?  Do you think they'll let a cartel stand?  Do you think it's better than what they have now? Can people grow their own without asking permission?  Et tu Bill?  No one has to ask permission under this bill.  It's less restrictive than a lot of legal states now.  Did you read the article about them abolishing the cartel?  What do you say to the sick people who don't have a medical bill now. 

At least Highlander gave a well thought out answer even if I don't agree with it.

Why do you people have to talk in code?  Who owns you, gheesh.  Frame it in a well thought out response without the code and I'll answer better.

[Highlander]

Ya, comparing it to slavery is a bit over the top.  Who owns me, what kind of question is that? We're talking what's on the table. Did you read the article?  Do you think they'll let a cartel stand?  Do you think it's better than what they have now? Can people grow their own without asking permission?  Et tu Bill?  No one has to ask permission under this bill.  It's less restrictive than a lot of legal states now.  Did you read the article about them abolishing the cartel?  What do you say to the sick people who don't have a medical bill now. 

At least Highlander gave a well thought out answer even if I don't agree with it.

Why do you people have to talk in code?  Who owns you, gheesh.  Frame it in a well thought out response without the code and I'll answer better.

I respectfully ask that you give some response to my question since you don't agree with me. Give me a reason not to worry that the soon-to-be filthy rich marijuana monopoly companies in Ohio will do what Praire Plant Systems did - come in from out of Michigan and convince our lawmakers to pass legislation that most MJ patients don't want.

[+Malamute]

Hey, don't be bringing me into this! 

 

Anyhow,... The Ohio initiative originally didn't have home growing at all.  They were pressured into adding home growing of some sort with the opposition they received from Ohio and Michigan(and some national attention) for not allowing home growing; opposition became so big they felt they had to allow home growing...(for now.)  Pressure from people like beorbud and restorium who refuse to fold easily and stand up for what is right pressured them into changing their ballot language. 

 

 Honestly, I haven't read Ohio's closely since they amended in the grow rights after the fact,... but I think there may be some legal kinks in that home growing language.  Need to look closer.

[+Malamute]

So, what I am saying is,.. give thanks to Resto and beorbud for being stringent and righteous in their cause.  Without people like them, we are TOTALLY phucked. 

 

Ohio would NOT have home growing without people fighting tooth and nail to stop the corporate marijuana monkeys and make them concede to allowing growing your own in some completely neutered fashion albeit.

 

I did say if I were in Ohio I would vote yes on this proposal. But only because it is better than what they have now, barely.  I would and have 100% opposed these people in Michigan though and would have opposed them fully in Ohio without the home growing addition they finally allowed. Voting for it even now in Ohio would make me feel dirty and scummy and I would know what a crappy thing I was voting for and how phucked Ohio will be in the future because of it being this way now.

 

 So, I agree with resto.  But I would also unfortunately vote for it if I were in Ohio's unique circumstance as it is. 

[Norby]

So, what I am saying is,.. give thanks to Resto and beorbud for being stringent and righteous in their cause.  Without people like them, we are TOTALLY phucked. 

 

Ohio would NOT have home growing without people fighting tooth and nail to stop the corporate marijuana monkeys and make them concede to allowing growing your own in some completely neutered fashion albeit.

 

I did say if I were in Ohio I would vote yes on this proposal. But only because it is better than what they have now, barely.  I would and have 100% opposed these people in Michigan though and would have opposed them fully in Ohio without the home growing addition they finally allowed. Voting for it even now in Ohio would make me feel dirty and scummy and I would know what a crappy thing I was voting for and how phucked Ohio will be in the future because of it being this way now.

 

 So, I agree with resto.  But I would also unfortunately vote for it if I were in Ohio's unique circumstance as it is. 

It wouldn't have passed without home growing period.  I agree with resto too, he just doesn't see it. I can't give you any guarantees. Do you think I want rules?  Do you think I want more people thrown in jail waiting for the perfect law which won't come?  You think I want to vote the way of Shuette.  If Resto would have given me a break then he wouldn't be pushing me to take the other side. If there was anything better and sick people didn't hinge on it I wouldn't vote for it either.  So back off me and stop calling me an anti and twisting my view and I'll do the same.  i don't do anything unless I'm pushed.  But I couldn't look one person in the face who went in for 1 oz if the law didn't pass.  Not one parent who looses a kid in the meantime or has to uproot and move here or somewhere else.  But I'm being painted as the devil? I stand by what I wrote!  Resto has been badgering me for days with no substance and he revels in it, he deserves what I wrote.  He can't deal with a different opinion, at least from those he doesn't like.

And do you think the legislature will let a cartel run, what about the bill they put up to null the monopoly?

Edited October 31, 2015 by Norby