Chamber of Commerce opposes marijuana legalization effort
The Ohio Chamber of Commerce has announced its opposition to ResponsibleOhio’s proposed state constitutional amendment (State Issue 3) to legalize marijuana. The amendment would allow marijuana for medicinal and personal use and establish a select number of sites for its large-scale growing. Those sites have already been determined and they are all owned by financial backers of the amendment.
“Our board of directors voted NOT to support State Issue 3 because of numerous and serious workplace concerns. Our members, which represent small and large businesses throughout the state, have to ensure a safe work environment for all of their employees. Also, if approved, this issue would cause great uncertainty for those businesses who drug test their employees. When you have uncertainty in business, you can’t function. Other concerns expressed up by board members included employer liability, the effects of employee productivity and other potential substance abuse issues.”
– Andrew E. Doehrel, Chamber President & CEO
The Chamber has also announced that it plans to support State Issue 2. This amendment was created by state legislators and would eliminate the ballot process’ ability to grant or create a “monopoly, oligopoly or cartel.” This issue was designed in response to State Issue 3 and the the establishment of the pre-selected growing sites.
The Ohio Chamber of Commerce plans to spend $50,000 to support State Issue 2 and $100,000 to oppose State Issue 3.
ResponsibleOhio refutes the description of their proposed amendment and says that the Chamber is ignoring the huge industry that would be created with its passage. (jj)
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