Legalizing Weed: 3 Quotes From Lawmakers After Pot Became Decriminalized in Ohio

The state of Ohio has decriminalized pot in many cases, especially for first time offenses. But despite pot moving into the misdemeanor category, if you are caught with enough weed you may still end up in jail.

A person carrying 100 to 200 grams faces 30 days in jail, while anything over that is considered a felony. But measures to all-out legalize weed in Ohio could make these statutes moot.

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Here’s what lawmakers are saying about legalizing weed:

1. “As the ranking Democrat on the Ohio House of Representatives Economic and Workforce Development Committee, I would like to see less drug use in Ohio as opposed to more drug use. For that reason, I support the decriminalization of marijuana and I support its use for medical reasons, but I oppose its legalization for recreational uses,” Rep. Kent Smith, D-Euclid, according to The News Outlet.

2. “Even if Ohio were to take the first step by legalizing the medical use of marijuana, that would not eliminate the risk of federal prosecutions, even for the medicinal or prescription use of marijuana. For that reason, I have consistently maintained that until the federal government removes the threat of prosecution for the use of medical marijuana, I could not support the state taking the first step by legalizing the medicinal use of that product. It would just create a false sense of security for patients and doctors that might be rudely interrupted by federal narcs banging on their door,” said Rep. Bill Seitz, R-Cincinnati, reports The News Outlet.

3. One Ohio lawmaker is adamant about getting marijuana laws expanded in the state, according to The Columbus Dispatch:

“In addition to the studies that show marijuana to be a valuable treatment option for chronic pain, nausea and seizure disorders, I have heard countless stories of how cannabis has made a difference in the lives of people who are sick or dying,” said Rep. Robert Hagan, D-Youngstown.

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He added, “With billions upon billions spent on the war on drugs with little progress to show for it, it is time for more-sensible drug policy in this country.”

While the Legislature takes its time on marijuana issues, some residents have become proactive, taking the issue to the people.

According to Cincinnati.com, ballot language has been approved for Ohio to put the vote on recreational weed on the table if enough signatures can be gathered. Supporters need 306,000 signatures by July in support of the measure to qualify for the November ballot.

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