Proposed constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana use

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- Ohio voters may soon see another statewide ballot attempting to legalize recreational marijuana in the state.

Ohio Attorney General, Mike DeWine officially recognized the petition that if passed would allow Ohioans over 21 to possess, grow, and use marijuana. C.E.O. of Muskingum Behavioral Health, Steve Carrel, said he has reservations on a complete legalization of marijuana drug use.

“What they found out in Colorado, initially there was some excitement because there was this great huge amount of revenue. What they actually found out, was the social consequence of the expanded use of marijuana was actually eaten up by more law enforcement. Traffic crashes and traffic deaths increased significantly after marijuana was legalized,” said Carrel.

The proposal still needs to be determined if it’s a single or multiple ballot issue. Carrel said he expects it to clear that step easily. He said he expects it to get on the ballet but, he is unsure if it will pass.

“Votes of Ohio have historically tended to be very conservative. That in it of itself would indicate it probably wouldn’t,” said Carrel.

Medical marijuana is currently legal in Ohio. The legalization of recreation marijuana use in Ohio previously failed back in 2015. Carrel expects the ballot to be part of the the 2019 November Election.