GOP Disputes And A Few Threats Notwithstanding, Ohioans Of All Stripes Support Legal Cannabis

A new survey has shown resounding bipartisan support for cannabis legalization in Ohio.

Fallon Research & Communications' poll confirmed that the majority of Ohio voters, that is 59%, are in favor of legalizing cannabis.

And this includes Ohioans from both sides of the aisle. The survey, conducted from August 22-25, indicates that 48% of Republicans are now on board with establishing a legal adult-use cannabis market in Ohio. 

Nevertheless, this is not stopping the Republican leadership in Ohio from pulling out all the stops…up to and including repealing the legalization initiative if it passes in November.

Gov. Mike DeWine (R) and Senate president Matt Huffman came out against the initiative, which has some fearing Ohio's GOP-dominated legislature might override the initiative, which was led by the Coalition to Regulate Cannabis Like Alcohol. 

"There are a number of legislators who have publicly commented that they will block marijuana in any way they can and that could possibly mean overturning the will of the voters," said Republican state Rep. Jamie Callender, who supports the legalization bid.

Here’s Another Republican Leader Who Supports Legalization

U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce (R) confirmed his support for the Nov. 7 ballot measure, known as Issue 2.

Joyce said in a statement Monday that his days as a former prosecutor and public defender made him recognize “early on that there are better uses of law enforcement resources than pursuing low-level possession convictions” and seek sensible reforms in Congress.

“Modeled after the alcohol industry, which accounts for the unique needs, rights and laws of each state, this proposal establishes a regulatory regime based on the specific desires of individual communities,” Joyce said.

Joyce, who co-chairs the Congressional Cannabis Caucus and attended the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago last September, also favors ending federal cannabis prohibition and is a staunch advocate for cannabis banking.

If passed, the statute would legalize, regulate and tax adult-use marijuana in addition to Ohio's current medical cannabis program.

Want to join the conversation about cannabis legalization in this important Midwestern state? Then join us at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago on September 27 and 28. All information is available on bzcannabis.com