Ohio is a New Prospect for Cannabis Reform in the Coming Months

In this brave new world of cannabis legalization, it appears
that Ohio, a previously overlooked hotspot for cannabis reform, might be one of
the next states to fully reform their cannabis policy. According to
WKYC, there have been two new recent ballot initiatives calling for reform
in this area.

One comes from the Ohioans to End Prohibition, and according
to the article, “would legalize the purchase, possession and use of cannabis
and cannabis products for Ohioans, ages 21 or older.” The initiative will be
known as the Cannabis Control Amendment, and they are looking to pose it for
2016. This law would also establish ten grow sites in the state, and allow
unlimited growing rights at home for individuals. The system would involve red
card privileges for patients, as well as recreational cannabis, similar to the
current system in Colorado.

The other proposed amendment is from a group called
Responsible Ohio, and according to an article on Dispatch,
the organization has promised to “end marijuana prohibition” as well as “pursue
a ballot initiative in 2015 to give voters the opportunity to let adults 21 and
older use marijuana for medical and personal use.”

Lydia Bolander, the spokeswoman for the group, has stated
that “Marijuana for medical and personal use should be a choice made by adults
21 and older in this state. We are going to end this failed prohibition.”

This group has a slightly different legalization plan,
involving the creation of a Marijuana Control Commission similar to the Casino
Control Commission that would create a regulated system of controlled facilities.

While the first proposal seems a bit favorable, as it would
create more freedoms and growth for the industry, either would certainly be
preferable to prohibition, and both offer great potential for the state. Let us
cross our fingers that one of these will become a legal reality in 2015 or 2016.