Dear Ohio Stoners and Users of Cannabis

[Aimless Ryan]

Dear Ohio users of cannabis (regardless of whether you consider it medicine),

Some of you surely plan to vote against Issue 3 this November; probably because you think the prospective law changes are not enough, or are not perfect. And you're probably right about that. However, saying yes to Issue 3 is not the same thing as saying everything about Issue 3 is acceptable.

Cannabis will be legal all across the United States within 10 years, if not considerably sooner. Some of us don't have that long. Some of us need for this to happen now. Some of us need to be able to know when we get down to our last gram that we're going to be able to get more. Some of us desperately need to remove this horribly destructive stress from our lives. I do.

Remember when Ohio voters chose to ban gay marriage in the state constitution, not that long ago? Look how much has changed since then. The same thing is going to happen with cannabis. Probably much faster. So I'm just asking you to allow Ohio to be responsible for the next giant step forward in what I think is obviously a war that is nearing its end, with the good guys coming out on top (and the bad guys having suffered absolutely no damage, except possibly whatever damage they've inflicted upon themselves).

It's been a good year for Ohio. Let's make it even better. I am proud of Ohio right now. Make me even prouder, even if I never get to experience the freedom we have all deserved for so long.

Please think about me this November, as well as every other Ohioan in my position. We desperately need your help.

Thank you,
Ryan

 

[CarolKing]

I just looked a THC level not more than 3%. Is that right? If that's right you guys need to change that. Do you have the referendum process in Ohio?

States that don't have the referendum laws are really having difficulty passing any legislature for changing cannabis laws.


Edit
You better read up on what you will be voting for. Not everything we read online is true and laws are changed too before they are voted on. I haven't been keeping track of Ohio. If that's true you will be in the same boat as NY. Black market cannabis will thrive.

The WeedBlog is good reading. Also Americans for Safe Access is a good organization to be a part of.

I've been trying to read more info. That wasn't mentioned about the 3% THC levels in all the info that I've read. I hope I am wrong about that. It can be really confusing reading.

I did see that there is a question about the qualifying signatures. You must have read about that recently.

Edit
We had a really good medical system in Wa though kinda lax. Since we have voted for legal the state is merging the medical with the legal. Medical cannabis will be more expensive with many more restrictions for the patient and less plants for them to grow.

Always know what you are voting for.

 

[Aimless Ryan]

If you're saying what I think you mean (the 3% thing), I am unaware of that. I honestly don't know much about it. All I really know is that nothing I've heard or read about this issue has brought up any red flags (for me).

I know the wording of the ballot was an issue a week or two ago (in the news), but I honestly don't know much about this whole thing. I realize I have taken kind of an irresponsible approach (by not doing much research), but I kind of feel like I have a valid excuse (at least within my own mind).

I hope I have not been deceived, and I'm pretty sure I haven't been deceived. If I have, I hope someone will set me straight. But if I haven't, I hope what I've said here makes a positive difference.

 

[grokit]

Great discussion, but
This may get more play in the
Cannabis News and Activism
forum.

 

[Aimless Ryan]

If that's where it belongs, I don't mind if this thread is moved there. I guess I didn't even know that board exists. I looked for what I thought would be the appropriate board, but my head just doesn't work how it used to.

EDIT: @CarolKing I'm pretty sure the qualifying signatures thing is old news. This legalization issue is already on the ballot.

I remember hearing something about numerous petition signatures not being accepted a couple months ago or so. If that's what you're talking about, this happened maybe a couple weeks before the signature deadline. Consequently, more signatures were acquired.

EDIT: I guess I did see that forum, @grokit, but it must've gone straight through me.

 

[woolspinner]

It is quite imperfect, but I understand the OPs position. But I want to highlight a few major concerns from what I read (did not see anything about 3% in my reading)

4 plants is not enough for a medical patient.

The limit of commercial grows to 10 is scary - whose cousin Vinny is going to get those licenses? Totally understand why the legislature is pulling out the anti-monopoly clause to fight this. They will attract people like me who are frustrated by all the monopolies deregulation permitted to grow (Comcast anyone?)

The limit on total number of stores coupled with the limit on plants one my grow likely means people outside major cities, particularly med users, will be screwed.

Even if the feds reschedule marijuana, I imagine you will be stuck withe these laws, PARTICULARLY the 10 commercial operations, after marijuana is rescheduled or even legalized.

I single out the 10 commercial because as with everything, especially political parties, when a few have all the distribution it will be very difficult for small grows to start up - and that would assume that the Ohio government is willing to let the little guys compete with their friends, relatives, and cronies who won those 10 special licenses to begin with.

Cynical? Yeah, 6 years of Chicago politics made me that way.

 

[FrogBoy138]

I'm a dumbass but I'm not dumb enough to vote in favor of this bullshit. Anyone that thinks this is the end of the war is in for a treat. This is the way to continue the war. Growers are allowed up to four flowering plants and or 8oz marijuana wet or dry. Selling an eighth of weed is going to be a felony.

 

[Aimless Ryan]

If Issue 3 does make selling an eighth of an ounce a felony, I agree that that part is stupid. However, as someone who could possibly find myself in that situation, in Ohio, I have no fear that such a law would actually be enforced; just as I have no fear today of being busted for posting piles of evidence on the internet of my own currently-illegal activity. Just as I didn't fear any kind of negative repercussions when I stepped out onto my patio today and had a couple sessions with my Air (in a condo community of mostly older folks).

I am inclined to believe that anyone trying to enforce such a law would be publicly ridiculed. I know that's just an opinion, but it's an opinion based on having paid attention to how the world works for a while.

 

[Aimless Ryan]

Selling an eighth of weed is going to be a felony.

I think you're going to have to provide some kind of reference for where you got that information, because I can't find it.

Here's a link to what I believe is the actual ballot wording: http://www.sos.state.oh.us/sos/upload/ballotboard/2015/3-Language.pdf. If the ballot says something about a felony for selling an eighth, I missed it.

EDIT:

Anyone that thinks this is the end of the war is in for a treat. This is the way to continue the war.

You obviously didn't even read what I said. Since you proved that you didn't read what I said, and pretended I said something completely different from what I said, I can only assume you did the same thing with whatever you may have read about Issue 3 making it a felony to sell an eighth.

Until you provide a reference, that is.

 

[Aimless Ryan]

Now that the election day ads have been airing on Columbus TV channels for a few weeks or so, I have to say that I find the "Yes on Issue 3" ads very impressive and well thought out.

There is one ad with a compelling message from a police chief (or former police chief or something). Another one has a fairly young mother, whose family had to move from Ohio to Colorado so they could treat their daughter's seizure disorder. They say they simply would like to move back home to Ohio. Seems reasonable to me.

It would not surprise me at all if Ohio votes yes.

 

[Czechyourhead]

There's also the issue of this violating anti-trust laws. This creates a monopoly in the supply chain.

Vote no against this.

 

[Aimless Ryan]

It's never going to be exactly how you want it. Things are never going to be set up for the little guy to win. Never. Ever. The bad things that may come along with saying yes can and will be changed eventually. The good things that come along with saying yes far outnumber the bad things.

 

[Bluestang]

Sorry, but I will vote no on this. It's too limited and gives to much power to a capital investment group who is organizing this Issue.

Do it right like other States (meaning CO and the likes) or don't do it at all.

Just my opinion, but this Issue is done all the wrong way.

 

[seaofgreens]

Colorado didn't do it right. You have to spend tens of thousands just on licensing and realistically to get into the game here these days you need to invest many millions. While over in Cali, home growers are still allowed to take their product straight to shops encouraging that small business/everyman can make it sort of vibe.

Whenever a state votes to legalize, no matter the format it will follow, there is a largely negative following, especially from dispensaries that might have to close shop, black market dealers looking to keep their incomes secure etc. etc.

While I feel that a handful of total licenses is absurd, you have to keep in mind that legally being allowed to produce your own meds is huge. Suddenly you really have no fear of the cops ever busting in your door for having a little tent set-up. The industry itself is really pushing towards consolidating into a handful of mega canna-corps, and my guess is these legalization bills will always push their best interests, as that is where the money lies.

 

[Bluestang]

Yes, I see your points. Very good thoughts.

I'm also trying to find out about growing your own. I know your have to get a permit or something and pay a small fee for it. But I've been hearing something about having to get your grow seeds from certain sources they control as well.

I like the grow you own part of this bill very much. As that would help out a lot of people. I just hope that there is room to improve on this bill easily in the future and that it's not locked in too hardcore or something.

 

[CarolKing]

If you have the referendum process in your state you could vote for it but help to make sure they change some of the provisions in the law.

We had a very good med cannabis program in WA state. Now that cannabis is legal they are closing many of our fav dispensaries for the more expensive state cannabis. Putting home businesses out in the cold. Not sure what quality the cannabis is in the recreational stores will be and how much it will cost with the new tax structure at 47%.

If you sign up for the med cannabis registry and are able to find someone to give you a certification you will only save 10% from the recreational users, plus your name will be in a state registrY.

 

[woolspinner]

If you have the referendum process in your state you could vote for it but help to make sure they change some of the provisions in the law.

We had a very good med cannabis program in WA state. Now that cannabis is legal they are closing many of our fav dispensaries for the more expensive state cannabis. Putting home businesses out in the cold. Not sure what quality the cannabis is in the recreational stores will be and how much it will cost with the new tax structure at 47%.

If you sign up for the med cannabis registry and are able to find someone to give you a certification you will only save 10% from the recreational users, plus your name will be in a state registrY.

I can only assume WA structured the law this way to make getting a med card less appealing for those who have no med conditions but can find an unscrupulous physician. However, it punishes those who genuinely need cannabis for treatment.

Just read interesting article on Oregon's program. They mention the tax rate and say they hope the somewhat lower taxes on rec to combat the black market. Seems a better compromise. http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/09/2...-marijuana-comes-with-reprieve.html?referrer=

That was my complaint with the extremely high tax in CO - the black market still flourishes and plenty of healthy individuals carry medical cards.

 

[CarolKing]

Thanks for sharing that info with the community @woolspinner ive been reading all about OR new laws. It makes me want to move there.

The tax in WA is a 37% + a 10% sales tax. If you sign up for the med registry you save the 10% sales tax. I probably buy $200 worth a month of cannabis is it worth it to me to save $20 a month? I will have to decide after the laws are put in place. For the time being I'm making the most of my med certification. The Saturday Cannabis Farmers Market that I go to will no longer exist in its present form, probably not at all. I can purchase cannabis for $6 and 7 a gram vs $15 at the rec stores.

It's really important to find out about what's in the works for med or rec cannabis in your state. Get active in trying to make them the best they can be. Sometimes our law makers do as they please and don't listen to the public. Voters beware of the $20 to 25 a gram cannabis.

The medical insurance I have doesn't even give out med certification, its an HMO. We are suppose to go to our family doctors to get a certification to use med cannabis. The laws and regulations are still being formed about that so who knows what hoops the state will put in place. Already we know if a doctor gives out more than 30 certifications in a month he or she will be flagged. What will happen after that I don't know? I think our lawmakers wanted to do away with medical cannabis so they're making it difficult to get a med certification.

 

[LazyIdol]

I definitely plan to vote No on the Responsible Ohio Bill in its current form and have been urging all my friends and associates to as well.

Several reasons
1. 4 plants is a joke in my opinion, couple this with the fact that you need to register with the State in order to obtain a permit to grow. I am extremely uncomfortable having my name on a list that says that I am growing something that is still federally illegal.

2. Limit of 10 commercial providers for the whole state. Personally I get all of my medicine from a group of people who emphasize compassion and quality over profit and quick turnarounds. I fail to see how 10 corporations will have the same goals. Couple this with the fact that they will be making large amounts of money in order to lobby against future changes to the bill that greatly benefits them.

3. Everything that I have seen/know about government has shown me that once a status quo is established, they will fight to keep that in place, especially when money is involved. Simply looking at the Illinois tollboths, which still exist to this day almost 50 years after they paid off the project they were constructed to finance is enough to discourage me to vote to put more money into the hands of the wealthy.

4. I disagree with the pass a bill now and change it later mentality. I would rather live a few years in prohibition and be able to vote for a bill I support than going for the first thing that comes along. Personally I think that this bill is an embarassment to Ohio and the medicinal/legal marijuana movement and will be ashamed if it passes.

 

[Aimless Ryan]

Some of us just want to live a few more years. And if we do, we want to have a few moments of peace.

Stress is killing me. Even though I have an ounce of weed right now, and even though I'm pretty sure I'll have an easy time getting more when I need it, I don't know for sure. Partly because I live in isolation. That's very stressful. That's on top of the unending stress of progressive multiple sclerosis.

I'm a big-time liberal, and I understand the big-time liberal objections to this issue. But I also live in unending misery, and I know there are countless thousands of other people living that way in Ohio, whose lives would be greatly improved if they could just go to the store and get medicine.

Right now that matters more to me than my ideals. Also, for the people who are looking at this from a more long-term perspective than I am, I don't think saying no is going to get us any closer to our mutual objective. Saying no is the same thing as saying, "Give me everything or else I'll be happy receiving nothing."

Saying no is also kinda the same thing as saying, "Fuck you, Ryan (and the thousands of other Ryans out there)."

EDIT: And by "big-time liberal," part of what I mean is that I think every drug should be legal. Heroin, cocaine, etc. I don't use those drugs, but I once heard the United States is the land of the free (and because I'm pretty sure legalizing all drugs would make our society safer).

 

[LazyIdol]

I guess that is what Im saying. For me, I would rather deal with prohibition and it's stresses for a few more years than to deal with what I view as piss-poor concessions that offer significantly less freedom. As it is still illegal on the federal basis I don't see why we should jump at the first chance we get.

If I felt that strongly that I needed legal protection or convenience I would strongly consider moving to a friendly state (Michigan is only 1 state away) and I have heard pretty good things about their medical program.

I don't feel that the proposal Responsible Ohio is presenting is worth our chance at good legalization, I am in a situation where I benefit almost nothing from Responsible Ohio's proposal, so I see no reason to support it. I can stand to wait for a better proposal that I can stand behind. As you say, it seems that the whole country is leaning towards legalization, why should we be a step backwards now when we can be a step forwards next year or the year after.

I am not saying personally "fuck you" but if my life were significantly affected to the point of detriment I would more seriously consider all my options and seek more immediate solutions with guaranteed payoffs. At the end of the day each states approach is going to factor into the federal bill (if it ever happens) and I would prefer to have a positive impact rather than contributing to the foundations of big canna-business.

 

[grokit]

United States is the land of the free

Be careful using the word "free", as it's a registered® trademark of the united states of america, inc.

 

[woolspinner]

EDIT: And by "big-time liberal," part of what I mean is that I think every drug should be legal. Heroin, cocaine, etc. I don't use those drugs, but I once heard the United States is the land of the free (and because I'm pretty sure legalizing all drugs would make our society safer).

And spend the money we throw away at the war on drugs for educational and treatment programs we cannot afford now.

 

[Gunky]

The four flowering phase plant limit is unscientific and annoying (limits you to four strains) but you can pretty easily get around it by forcing your plants to stay in their vegetative phase in a very large planter for a long time. Four plants will fill up a tent just as well as 6 if you veg them in large tubs for a longer period. I haven't studied the measure carefully so I can't say which way to vote.

 

[xer0]

If RO doesn't pass do not expect to see another MJ proposal even get close in this state until the Feds legalize across the board.

Politicians on both sides of the table in Columbus are VERY against any form of legal MJ and will fight it viciously. I have been watching this for a very long time here and I am convinced that big money is the only way this issue gets passed in this state. That is why I don't mind the 10 grow sites...I understand how much cash these guys have needed to put up just to get this far. I don't mind if they make some money off of it for a while.

There have been several groups trying to get MMJ passed here over the years and every one of them gets squashed very early on because they don't even have the funds to pay for a proper petition campaign let alone the other bullshit DeWine and the rest of Columbus will throw at them if they can manage to get enough signatures. The idea that one of these organizations will magically get their shit together and offer a perfect MJ solution in a year or two is laughable. It won't happen and Ohio will continue to be left in the dark. People will still be getting arrested. Kids will still lose their school loans with a MJ conviction.

I look at issue 3 as a vote for MJ legalization...period. All the other BS isn't as important as keeping our kind safe and out of a jail cell.