Tread carefully on legalized marijuana | News, Sports, Jobs

Legalized recreational marijuana is on the minds of Ohio lawmakers once again, and if the legislation is passed, it would legalize, tax and regulate adult use of cannabis in Ohio.

According to a report by WTVG, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose reintroduced the legislation; and if it is not adopted in four months, advocates can collect additional signatures to have it placed on the ballot in November. Some of those advocates suggest the state is missing out on a lucrative revenue stream by keeping recreational marijuana illegal.

“Michigan just up north has made marijuana a $2 billion industry and has employed over 30,000 people. So when we’re right underneath them, it makes you look and think should we be getting in on that too,” advocate Sean Nestor told WTVG.

He also tried to push the buttons of those who might not look too favorably on the legislation right now, by reminding the Republican super-majority where such a law would place the decision-making power.

“If this state law passes, it does put a strong emphasis on local decision-making. So cities and townships would have the ability to pass laws to say that ‘we do not want any marijuana dispensaries or grow operations in our community.’ They put that up to the local community but obviously those who wish to use it would be able to use it and reap the benefits of it,” Nestor told the station.

That’s fine, but lawmakers will have to think very carefully about whether the rewards outweigh the risks. Senate Bill 26 would give drivers the opportunity to avoid an OVI charge by arguing they are sober, even if they test positive for marijuana. Traffic laws are just the start of the challenges in legalizing recreational marijuana.

And while there is something to be said for the safety of legal, regulated marijuana for sale — and the money it could put in state coffers — lawmakers must not rush into any decision lightly.

Other states appear to have made it work. But other states are not Ohio. Lawmakers must leave no stone unturned in figuring out what is right, for US.

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