An Ohio lawmaker is warning colleagues that passing legislation to undermine voters’ decision to legalize marijuana in the state will jeopardize their reelection prospects–specifically cautioning against proposals to redirect tax revenue to law enforcement.
Rep. Juanita (D) Brent, who has previously stressed the need to include people who have been disproportionately affected by cannabis criminalization during the implementation process of legalization–spoke on the politics surrounding marijuana policy at the legislature last week in a panel hosted by the Ohio State University Drug Enforcement and Policy Center.
Brent stated that if the Ohio primary elections are held next month “I don’t think any of us will be reelected, because we won’t be doing what the people of Ohio want.”
She said: “I understand that sometimes people think they know the best about people. But the best people are the ones who elected me and voted for legalization.
The Ohio voter approved a measure of legalization at the November ballot, but the Republican Governor and GOP leadership have insisted on further changes in the law, especially in regards to the timeline for sales.
Some of the other proposed changes, such as a proposal from Governor DeWine (R), have been more controversial. Mike DeWine’s (R) plan to use marijuana tax dollars for law enforcement is controversial.
Brent stated that “we can allocate this money, and ensure that people have it available to them instead of giving this money all to police training.”
It blows my mind, especially how much money the Senate wants to spend on police training in the state and hospital agencies. “It is absurd to me,” she said. “People told us repeatedly what they wanted when Issue 2 passed. “All we are doing is going against people’s wishes.”
She said, “I was elected, so I won’t go against the people in Ohio.” The discussion also included representatives from the Last Prisoner Project, Adams Project, and Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association.
The discussion took place about a week after Ohio regulators published an initial batch proposed rules for state’s adult use marijuana program. They focused on requirements for applicants who wish to become licensed retail stores, as well certain changes to medical cannabis system.
He has made it clear that he expects the legislature to accelerate the implementation of the new law. He has criticised the “goofy” situation Ohio is in where adults over 21 can legally possess and cultivate marijuana but access to it will not be regulated until late this year.
In December, the Senate passed a bill that addressed the issue. It would allow existing medical cannabis dispensaries to serve both patients and adult customers within 90 days after enactment. Other changes were also made to the initiated law. The House hasn’t taken up the bill, but is considering an alternative package.
DeWine has also indicated that he would like to see a quicker turnaround with legislation that allows for recreational sales in two months. DeWine has also said that he would like to see legislators address restrictions on the sale of intoxicating cannabinoid hemp products, such as delta-8-THC.
The Governor, who previously campaigned against legalizing marijuana ballot measure, has voiced his support for moving marijuana tax dollars from law enforcement, a policy change that is opposed by advocates, who want to continue funding social equity initiatives, as prescribed in the ballot initiative approved by voters.
Some Democratic legislators have stated that they are open to revisions in the debate over legalization. For example, they might be willing to put some cannabis tax revenues towards K-12 education. Other supporters of the voter approved legalization initiative, however, are against legislators undermining the will of the majority who passed it.
Rep. Gary Click filed legislation late in November to allow municipalities to ban cannabis use and home-growing within their jurisdictions. Click also revised the distribution of state marijuana tax revenues by, for instance, shifting funds from social equity programs and jobs to law enforcement training.
After the approval of the legalization by the voters, the Department of Commerce published a FAQ guide to inform residents about the new law, timelines for implementation , and the FAQ guide .
In December, the commerce department announced that the top state alcohol regulator , who had previously served as a prosecutor , would head up the new Ohio cannabis regulatory division .
Congressman Demands Answers From DEA On Marijuana Rescheduling Review
Photo by Mike Latimer.
The post Ohio Lawmaker warns colleagues they risk losing reelection for undermining voter-approved marijuana legalization law first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
