Ohio Could Be the Next State to Legalize Weed

This coming November, Ohio voters will decide on the legalization of marijuana for recreational and medical use. If passed, the state will become the fifth one to legalize weed for recreational use and the first state to do so in the midwest.

Secretary of State Jon Husted confirmed that pro-marijuana group ResponsibleOhio collected over 320,000 signatures, which was roughly 14,000 more than the necessary ballot requirement. A past attempt had failed in June, due to the signatures coming up short, according to USA Today. After spending more than $2 million on efforts to get in on the ballot, ResponsibleOhio’s investors have pledged to spend another $20 million in the next few months to convince the state’s residents to vote yes. The amendment would allow adults age 21 and older to be able to buy, possess and grow marijuana in limited amounts.

Ian James, ResponsibleOhio’s executive director, said in a statement:

“It’s time for marijuana legalization in Ohio, and voters will have the opportunity to make it happen this November — we couldn’t be more excited. … By reforming marijuana laws in November, we’ll provide compassionate care to sick Ohioans, bring money back to our local communities and establish a new industry with limitless economic development opportunities.”

If the measure passes, it would face an obstacle in the form of a previously-placed measure.

From USA Today:

In June, the Ohio Legislature quickly wrote and placed on the ballot a measure that would prohibit “a monopoly, oligopoly or cartel” in Ohio, especially involving any federally controlled substance, such as marijuana. Husted has said that if voters pass both measures, the legislative initiative would take precedence, although ResponsibleOhio disputes that evaluation. If both measures pass, the dispute will go to court.

Recreational marijuana is currently legal in Colorado, Washington, Alaska, Oregon and Washington, D.C.