Pubdate: Sat, 21 Feb 2015 Source: Morning Journal (Lorain, OH) Copyright: 2015 Morning Journal Contact: http://www.morningjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3569 Author: Jim White AMENDMENT A BAD IDEA As a long time proponent of a well regulated legal marijuana industry in Ohio both for medical and recreational use, I have to stand opposed to Responsible Ohio's proposed constitutional amendment Even cursory examination of the amendment reveals its many shortcomings Far too many to detail here, but creating mandatory jail or prison sentences, more government agencies and a licensing system destined to create confusion and enormous electoral burdens on smaller communities is bad for us all The amendment also places control of a large industry in the hands of a few wealthy individuals, doesn't provide for personal cultivation, or commercial cultivation of hemp It also imposes a flat tax rate of 15 percent (Perhaps 30 percent, depending on you read it) I fail to see how this amendment would do anything to reduce the black market or properly protect personal rights Responsible Ohio is setting us up for failure in a big way I don't need more research, it's a bad idea Jim White Fremont - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom