Tell Gov. DeWine: Protect Ohio’s Existing Cannabis Laws

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In November 2023, Ohio voters overwhelmingly approved a citizen-initiated statute legalizing recreational adult-use cannabis, known at the time as Issue 2. To date, major pieces of the law remain in flux and lawmakers are advancing a bill that makes significant, regressive changes to our state’s cannabis laws.

This proposal subverts the will of the voters in multiple ways -- of biggest concern to the ACLU of Ohio are the provisions that recriminalize cannabis, remove voter-approved protections for cannabis consumers, and ignore voters’ clearly expressed interest in repairing the harms of past criminalization.

The ACLU of Ohio believes there are two necessary steps in cannabis policy: legalize and repair. We’ve accomplished the first, and now we must ensure that Ohioans impacted by the failed war on drugs are not left behind.

Without significant amendments to course correct, this bill must be rejected by Governor DeWine.

TAKE ACTION: Tell Governor DeWine to VETO SB 56.

Message Recipients: Governor DeWine

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Dear Governor DeWine,

Please reject any version of Senate Bill 56 that does not repair the past harms of marijuana criminalization.

Message Body

Senate Bill 56 significantly dismantles the citizen-initiated statute that voters approved in 2023, and I oppose the latest version of this legislation that re-criminalizes cannabis use and fails to address the harms of past criminalization adequately.

Ohioans do not need intrusive government oversight into our cannabis conduct – we expect a better balance between our personal liberties and government prohibition on a substance that voters approved to be legal. These changes are counter to what 57% of Ohioans approved in 2023, especially where the bill rolls back voter-approved protections for cannabis consumers and criminalizes conduct such as lease violations

I also urge you to reconsider the elimination of The Social Equity and Jobs Program, which happened in the state budget earlier this year. This was a pillar of Issue 2 intended to take steps toward remedying the significant harm resulting from the disproportionate enforcement of drug laws.

The War on Drugs disproportionately failed Black and Brown Ohioans. We must work to erase the negative impact of drug criminalization. Voters support drug policy reform, I urge you to, as well.

I urge you to VETO Senate Bill 56 and respect the will of Ohio voters.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

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Tell Gov. DeWine: Protect Ohio’s Existing Cannabis Laws

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