A newly released poll shows that three in five Ohio voters are in favor of a marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot. Nearly two thirds believe it is inevitable.
In the two weeks leading up to the start of widespread early voting, 55 percent said that they would “definitely or probably” vote in favor of legalization, while 34 percent indicated that they will “definitely or definitely” oppose it. The survey of 843 potential voters conducted by FM3 Research in mid-August, commissioned by Coalition to Regulate Cannabis Like Alcohol, found that only 11 percent are undecided.
In total, including those who “lean” to yes, 59 per cent of respondents support passage of Issue 2 which would legalize marijuana and regulate it for adults over 21.
The new report states that the findings of the poll are “remarkably consistent,” pointing out two other surveys conducted recently, in August by Fallon Research and in July by Suffolk University, both showing a 59 percent approval rate for legalization.
The report states that public sentiment has remained relatively constant over the years, with 57 per cent support in 2019, 61 per cent support in 2020, and 63percent support in 2022.
The new poll shows that the biggest differences in support occur along party lines. The new poll found that 76 percent among Democrats said they would definitely or probably vote yes, compared with 47 percent for independents and 42 % for Republicans.
In the same way, 80 percent said that they will definitely or probably vote YES, compared with 55 percent moderates and 38% conservatives.
The measure is supported by 54 percent of moderate and liberal Republicans. Only 38 percent of conservative Republicans supported the reform.
In a press release released along with the survey, campaign spokesperson Tom Haren stated that “our supporters come from every background: Democrats, Republicans; veterans, patients; mothers and fathers.” They know that Ohio and Ohioans will benefit from our plan to tax and regulate adult-use marijuana. This poll shows Ohio voters are clear on marijuana. “I’m confident that we’ll see it in the results of the election.”
Issue 2 would legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis, and establish a 10% cannabis sales tax. The revenue raised would go towards social equity, jobs programs, and education and treatment of substance abuse disorders.
State officials approved the ballot language for Issue 2, late last month and published arguments in support and against.
In a summary approved by the state, it is noted that the initiative will establish a social justice program, protect identities of those who are involved in the adult market, keep employers and landlords rights to ban cannabis use under certain circumstances, protect financial institutions working with licensed marijuana businesses, and impose taxation on cannabis sales.
Researchers at Ohio State University have estimated that if approved, legalization would bring in an annual tax revenue of $404 million for the state.
Sherrod Brown, the chair of the Senate Banking Committee (D), a state representative in Congress, said last week that still isn’t sure about the measure . He said that he would read the initiative and decide what to do when the time comes to vote.
Brown’s noncommittal answer contrasted with that of a Republican Congressman from Ohio’s 14th District. Rep. Dave Joyce, co-chairman of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus and a member of the House, said that he would vote “yes” for Issue 2. He encouraged “all Ohioans to participate and make your voices heard on this issue”.
The key provisions of the November ballot measure :
- This initiative will allow adults over 21 to possess up to 2.5 ounces (or 15 grams) of marijuana. They can also have up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana concentrates.
- Each individual could grow six plants to use for their own personal needs, and a maximum of 12 plants in a household.
- The 10 percent tax on cannabis sales would go to fund social equity and job programs (36%), localities who allow adult-use marijuana businesses to operate in their areas (36%), education and drug misuse programs (25%), and administrative costs for implementing the system (3%)
- The Department of Commerce would establish a Division of Cannabis Control. The division would be able to “license and regulate adult-use cannabis operators, adult-use testing laboratories, as well as individuals who are required to have a license.”
- This measure will give current medical cannabis businesses an advantage in the recreational market. Within nine months after the law’s enactment, regulators would have to start issuing adult use licenses to applicants who are qualified and operate medical cannabis operations.
- The division will also have to issue 50 adult-use retail licenses, and 40 recreational cultivator licences. This is “with preference given to applicants who are participating in the cannabis social equality and jobs program”.
- Municipalities could opt not to allow new recreational cannabis businesses to open in their region, but existing medical marijuana companies would still be allowed to operate in the same area. Employers can also enforce policies that prohibit workers from using cannabis for adult purposes.
- The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services would also be required to enter into an agreement to provide “cannabis-addiction services” which would include “education and treatment of individuals with addiction issues related either to cannabis or to other controlled substances, including opioids.”
- Some advocates worry about the lack specific language regarding automatic expungements, which would clear the records for people who have convictions from crimes that would become legal under the new legislation. The measure includes a clause requiring regulators “to study and fund” criminal reform initiatives, including expungements.
, which represents Ohio’s 112 local departments of health, is one of those who oppose the measure. Ohio Children’s Hospital Association and Adolescent Health Association as well as some business and law enforcement groups are urging voters not to support the reform.
According to a study released last month, only approximately 1 in 10 Ohio prosecutors will likely take advantage of the separate law recently passed that allows them to seal records of individuals with low-level convictions. Most of these prosecutors say they would focus on cannabis related offenses.
Ohio voters rejected the 2015 measure on 64-36, which would have changed the state constitution to legalize pot and give the control of the market a small group producers. The organizers of the current campaign claim that they have learned lessons from the failure when crafting the current initiative.
Download the complete FM3 Research survey below:
The post New poll finds that 3 in 5 Ohio voters support marijuana legalization measures ahead of the November election first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
