Coming Up This Week

Voters in Ohio will decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana…but people on both sides of the issue say more hangs in the balance than simply decriminalizing the drug. Supporters of legalization say Ohio can reclaim tax revenue being lost to states such as Michigan, where marijuana is legal, and take power from illegal drug markets through government regulation. Opponents warn of increased workforce and traffic accidents by people under the influence, and argue much of the revenue will land in the pocket of the marijuana industry, not taxpayers. Issue 2 on the Nov. 7 ballot would allow adults, 21 and over…to buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and 15 grams of extract…and to grow up to six plants per individual through a government program. A 10% tax would be imposed on any purchases, with those proceeds going toward administrative costs and addiction treatment in the state…and to municipalities that host dispensaries.