And we’re back to the same old story – politicians trying to undermine the will of the people. I mean, what’s the point of even having elections if the lawmakers are just going to do whatever they want anyway? But, I guess that’s just the way the cookie crumbles in Ohio, where the Republican senate has voted to change the recreational marijuana policy that was passed by the voters in 2023. Because, you know, the voters clearly didn’t know what they were voting for (or so the GOP claims).
According to State Sen. Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), these changes are necessary for "public safety" – Senate Bill 56 would decrease the THC content allowed in products and limit home growing from 12 plants to six. But, let’s be real, isn’t this just a way to restrict access to marijuana and cater to the interests of certain lobby groups? I mean, who benefits from limiting the THC content and reducing the number of plants that can be grown at home? Certainly not the average citizen who voted for the legalization of recreational marijuana.
And, by the way, have you seen the prices of marijuana in Ohio? It’s like they’re trying to rob us blind! As reported by News 5 Cleveland, the cost of marijuana in Ohio is double that of Michigan. But, hey, who needs affordable marijuana when you can have lawmakers who claim to know what’s best for you? It’s not like the voters actually know what they’re doing or anything.
But, let’s not forget about the social equity and jobs program that was supposed to help marginalized communities get dispensary licenses. Because, of course, the Black community deserves to have a stake in the industry, considering they’ve been disproportionately impacted by marijuana-related laws. However, it seems that this program has already been removed from the state website, despite Senate Bill 56 not being in effect yet. Talk about a slap in the face.
And, as if all this wasn’t enough, the bill would also cap the number of dispensaries in the state to 350. Because, you know, limiting competition is always a great idea (said no one ever). I mean, who needs a free market when you can have a monopoly on marijuana sales? It’s not like this would lead to higher prices and reduced quality or anything. But, hey, at least the provision that would have made marijuana more expensive was taken out, right?
Now, I know what you’re thinking – what about the will of the voters? Don’t they deserve to have their voices heard? According to Tasha Rountree, a cannabis enthusiast who’s been fighting for the cause, the changes proposed by the lawmakers go against the will of the voters. And, I’ve got to say, I agree with her. I mean, if the voters passed a law, shouldn’t that be respected? But, I guess that’s just too much to ask from our esteemed lawmakers.
In any case, if you’re interested in learning more about the bill and its implications, you can check out this article by the Ohio Capital Journal. And, if you’re feeling generous, you can always search for marijuana policy books on Amazon to educate yourself on the topic.
But, let’s get back to the matter at hand – the utter disregard for the will of the voters. I mean, what’s next? Are they going to try to overturn the election results or something? And, by the way, can someone please explain to me why the lawmakers think they know better than the voters? Is it because they’re somehow more intelligent or informed? Or is it just because they have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo?
In conclusion, the situation in Ohio is a perfect example of how politicians can undermine the democratic process and disregard the will of the people. And, if you’re as frustrated as I am, you should definitely speak out and make your voice heard. Because, at the end of the day, it’s our voices that matter – not the voices of the lawmakers who think they know better.
And, on a completely unrelated note, has anyone tried those new coffee pods from Amazon? I heard they’re pretty great. But, I digress.
Anyway, I hope this rant has been informative and entertaining. And, if you’re interested in learning more about the topic, you can always check out the Twitter page of Morgan Trau, a statehouse reporter who’s been covering the issue. Or, you can search for marijuana laws on Amazon to educate yourself on the topic.
But, for now, I’ll just leave you with this thought – what’s the point of having elections if the lawmakers are just going to do whatever they want anyway? Food for thought, right?
And, finally, if you’re interested in buying some cannabis accessories, you can always check out Amazon. Because, why not?
That’s all for now, folks! Or, should I say, that’s all for now, interested readers? Ha!
In any case, I hope you’ve enjoyed this rant, and I’ll catch you all on the flip side! Or, rather, I’ll catch you all on the next article. But, for now, it’s time for me to take a break and grab a cup of coffee (maybe using those new coffee pods I was telling you about).
Cheers!
P.S. Don’t forget to follow Morgan Trau on Facebook for more updates on the topic!