Pubdate: Tue, 08 Sep 2015 Source: Morning Journal (Lorain, OH) Copyright: 2015 Associated Press Contact: http://www.morningjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3569 Author: Julie Carr Smyth, Associated Press CAPED SUPERHERO IS PUSHING MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION IN OHIO COLUMBUS (AP) - A caped green superhero stumping for marijuana legalization votes at college campuses and bars in Ohio has sparked debate over its impact on children. "Buddie" is a fuzzy, eversmiling pot bud in a bulging white muscle suit with green trunks, gloves and boots. He arrives in a truck painted with marijuana leaves declaring: "Yes on legalization." Children's health advocates opposed to legalization said Buddie is reminiscent of Joe Camel, the cartoon dromedary proven so effective at marketing cigarettes to teenagers in the 1990s that R.J. Reynolds was forced to retire his image. They said the pot mascot makes light of a dangerous illegal drug in a manner appealing to kids. "We didn't believe it when we saw the photos. We were pretty shocked," said Nick Lashutka, president of the Ohio Children's Hospitals Association that's involved in fighting the legalization effort. "This is nothing less than a ploy to market to children." - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom