Why it matters: The campaign to legalize recreational marijuana in Ohio fell short of the required number of verified signatures to qualify for the ballot. However, activists have been given an additional 10 days to gather the remaining signatures needed.
What they are saying: Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose stated that the petitioners did not file a sufficient number of valid signatures and need an additional 679 signatures to meet the goal. Tom Haren, a spokesman for the legalization campaign, expressed confidence in obtaining the necessary signatures within the given timeframe.
The big picture: If the campaign successfully gathers the required number of signatures, the state ballot board will certify the language used on the ballot, and preparations for the November election will commence. Ohio currently has medical marijuana legalized, but this proposal aims to legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older.
What to watch: It remains to be seen if the campaign can gather the additional signatures needed within the given timeframe. If successful, Ohio could become the 24th state to legalize adult-use cannabis. The public opinion in Ohio appears to be in favor of marijuana legalization based on a previous poll showing support from 60% of voters.
My take: The campaign’s optimism in easily obtaining the remaining signatures suggests that they have a strong base of support. If they are able to gather the necessary signatures, it will be interesting to see how the legalization proposal is received by Ohio voters in the November election.
