Just Say No to Responsible Ohio initiative

[Hackerman]

Those investors are investing a lot of money into this. My guess is, they expect to make a profit. LOL That's usually what business wants to do. However, for some reason, people in America are against companies making money. LOL I guess they don't consider the taxes they'll be paying, the employees they'll be paying, the rents that they will pay on their properties and indirectly, the rents from all 1100 stores.

And, if you read the entire petition, you'll see they are also going to sell all the toys that go along with it. Pipes, papers, bubblers, bongs, nails, you name it. All under one roof. Just like WalMart. Oops, I forgot, everyone hates WalMart, too. Even though they employ more people in the USA than any other company. That's a lot of car and house payments people are making, thanks to WalMart.

I wish I lived in Ohio and had a law like you're going to have. Every dispensary I have ever seen is run down, beat up and supported by the few pennies the old stoner can milk together to pay rent and still have enough to buy a pack of papers (albiet, I have not seen anything in Colorado they may be nicer there).

Personally, I like shopping at WalMart. And, if your RO people run their business as well as WalMart (and, I'm sure they want to because they will make the most money) they may put together a nice little one-stop shop for you Ohioans.

I did see some changes I would make if I were authoring the petition but I also saw a number of loopholes that they forgot to close that would allow a bright entrepreneur to make a ton of money (until they close the hole).

Plus, these people have no clue how to run this operation. They will need regional managers. If I were in Ohio I would be talking to RO about my abilities and experience in running over 400 stores when I had my business. I'm sure I could help them manage the stores for... oh, let's say 100k a year and a cut of the gate. Instead of complaining about other people making money, I usually just hope on the bandwagon.

And, now that they amended it to allow personal grows (although, the amended language has not yet been submitted) I don't see where you people in Ohio have anything to complain about. Other than just being sore about who is making the money. Quite frankly..... who cares. LOL As long as the pot is good and the price is right. LOL

I have read just about every petition that every state has submitted and yours is not as bad as some I have read.

Besides, I have always lived my life by the creed...... If they make a law I don't like, fine, I just won't obey it. LOL Kind of like when they changed the speed limit from 70 to 55. No one listened. No one cared. LOL

Just my opinion. Not usually popular. But, so far, I still have the right to that in this country. LOL

 

[pcduck]

Even Walmart cannot control other stores from opening.
Whatever happened to the American dream? Where anyone can achieve success.
Hopefully the voters won't screw this up like they did gambling.
I will be voting NO and will tell my friends why.

Hack, you kind of sound like a Communist.

 

[Melvan]

The idea that some form of legalization is better than no form of legalization is a mindset I understand, and one that Responsible Ohio is using to its advantage.

But, with federal legalization on the horizon, why should Ohio be locked into a constitutional amendment that will supercede that legalization? Petition signers need to look at the big picture. By taking just a little freedom now, they give up lots of freedom down the road.

Ohio needs an mmj amendment first. The patient/caregiver relationship is too important to be ignored. When that system is in place, then on to full legalization, if the feds don't beat us to it. That's why it's important to sign the Ohio Rights Group petition and have it set and ready to vote on in Nov.

Duck, you are right, this is "legalized" gambling all over again.

 

[Hackerman]

Hack, you kind of sound like a Communist.

You're close.... Capitalist.

If I don't like the laws in one state I am free to move to another where the laws are more to my liking. Commie's can't do that. LOL

It's funny, every complaint I have read about RO says that they (the poster) objects to a monopoly and they hate a small group of people making all the money.

Well, it seems to me that all the complainers are only concerned about the money as well.

Not one has asked if this small group of growers is going to be providing quality meds at a fair price. All the whiners seem to care about is who is making all the money.... and it's not them. LOL

Quite frankly, when I pay money out for something, I don't really care who gets the profit. I gave the money. I get my goods.

 

[Melvan]

The patient/caregiver relationship guarantees quality and fair pricing.

 

[pcduck]

Hack....you are not a capitalist if that is the way you. think.

 

[OhioVoter]

Hack, I'm sorry to say that your logic is foolhardy and impulsive. This initiative isn't some rinky dink bill, it's a constitutional amendment that prevents free market. Unique to Ohio, it would guarantee a monopolistic oligarchy to control Ohio's billion dollar pot industry. In addition it also increases possession and cultivation penalties for Ohioans, a step back from Ohios current decriminalized laws.

You're right, people can still disobey the law and illegally grow and sell ganja, but what good it that for people? More drug money to stuff into a mattress? When the oligarchs will using proceeds to legally bank and invest.

The saddest part of all of this is RO's arrogant greed. The investors are millionaires who could still become kingpins in a free market, but that's not enough for them. They want to crush all forms of competition and rack in all the cash. Does that sound like a capitalist system? I think not.

Their plan is just one huge drug deal. If they can have it function for just one season they stand to dominate and forthcoming free market. It is just plain unamerican.

I urge all Americans and activists to educate their brothers and sisters about the RO scheme and the alternative initiatives up for vote in Ohio:

Ohiorightsgroup.org
legalizeohio2016.org

Most importantly VOTE NO to the monopoly.


Hack, sadly you just might get your way. So enjoy your overpriced Walmart warehouse weed!

 

[Kraven]

Wish I could comment on some of the boneheaded moves being made in my part of the country....same scenario.....if enacted -rich get richer, no home grows and only 4 approved sites run by thirty year+ active nurseries- We just want what GOD made to be left alone just decriminalize pot...problem solved!

 

[Hackerman]

Ohio did (similar to) this with liquor for decades and it worked great.

And, if I am not mistaken, the other 2 petitions are for medical only and not recreational. I have read so many of these that I may be wrong.

In any event the RO is the only one that has a remote chance of making it to the ballot. The others just don't have the money to get the signatures they need. Too bad but, that's the way it is. Money always wins in this country. That's why we are called capitalists. I think it's a fantastic system and it has served me well for many years and given me a wonderful life. But then, I am flexible and most people are not.

Doesn't really matter to me, anyway. In a couple months I'll be living in sunny southern Cali so I am more concerned with the new laws there than anything in other states.

Still, good luck to you people in Ohio. I hope you get your way.

 

[Hackerman]

LORAIN, Ohio -- The struggling city of Lorain could be home to one of 10 big indoor marijuana farms if Ohio voters pass ResponsibleOhio's plan to legalize pot.

It would be located on city-owned land in a big, empty industrial park just off a street named for a marijuana-friendly state -- Colorado Avenue.

The city spent big money years ago putting in infrastructure for companies that never came.

Lorain Mayor Chase Ritenauer said, "We have property that has not been developed, and we don't see development coming. The city is holding the bag. If this entire deal were executed, we would see everything we spent put back in our coffers."

Ritenauer was sworn to secrecy about what would go on the site until ResponsibleOhio released its plans.

Many interviewed in the neighborhood around the site spoke hopefully about a proposal that could bring a couple hundred jobs, paychecks and tax dollars to their city.

Darnell Jones said, "I think it's a good thing. Financially, it's going to be fruitful. ... They are not going to stop it. You might as well be part of it."

Stephanie Skinner said, "The city is struggling financially with jobs and people. If it's going to happen, it's going to happen."

Tim Arnold said, "Tax it, regulate it. Make some money. Create some jobs."

Camielle Dakdouk runs a drive-through beer, wine and beverage store across the street. He does not see marijuana as competition.

"I'm happy for it. ... I hope they do great," he said.

Some residents don't think it's appropriate for the city to be a player in this deal.

Neighbor JoAnn Koch said, "Jobs, they can find them better than that. I just don't believe in that drug stuff."

Mayor Ritenauer and the city are not endorsing ResponsibleOhio's proposal, believing it needs more study.

But Ritenauer said, "I didn't want the city to be in a position to where it did not realize any economic benefit. As mayor, I need to hire police officers. I need to fix roads, plow streets and cut parks. All of this costs money."

Ritenauer remembered how Lorain lost on a bid to bring in a casino and does not want history to repeat itself.

Ritenauer projects the city could sell its land for around $1 million, collect $200,000 a year in income tax and realize $2 million in marijuana tax if the amendment is passed in November.

 

[pcduck]

Some of the cities where these farms would be located are already trying to enact legislation that would prohibit these farms.(Middleton)

 

[Hackerman]

Pataskala is too. These old fashioned small towns don't want no dope farm in my town. LOL

They would have been better off renting large warehouse space in metro areas.

Today is the day Dewine has to certify or reject RO's initiative. 27th for ROC.

It's too bad the other 2 petitions have no money. They were both better than RO or ROC. Too bad they aren't even trying for 2015. And by the time they get together in 2016, it will already be a done deal.

Maybe you'll get lucky today and Dewine will reject RO.

 

[Melvan]

I'm a Lorain county native, although I haven't lived there in almost 15 years. I was home 2 weeks ago, I saw the location chosen, it's dead center of one of the heaviest gang controlled areas. (An area that, sadly, when I was growing up, was a pleasant place for working families to live, just like Elyria, who also is in the grips of gang violence now)

The chances of that grow going unmolested in even the first month is zero to none. And anyone going there for product will most likely be met on the street by a thug with a gun.

I spoke to some people in the area, including the owner of the drive-thru mentioned in the article (just by happenstance actually). Once they were told the facts, they were all rethinking their support.

And that's the rub, getting the facts into people's heads, getting through the "legalize" rallying cry, and making them see the truth beyond the marketing.

 

[Hackerman]

Those grow locations won't be selling to the public so no one should be going there except the retail store owners for pickup (unless the grower delivers. LOL)

There's going to be good and bad in any change. This will be no exception.

No doubt, there will be a dramatic shortage at first. That could drive prices up and discourage people even more. I am curious how they are going to structure the sales model. The state liquor board always kept a minimum price law to prevent price cutting. And, no matter where you went in the state, a fifth of Seagrams cost the same.

And, these "investors" have no clue how to grow so the startup is going to be a nightmare. I am hoping they, at least, have contacted professional growers to assist in the setup and maintenance of the grow operation.

And...... now we have all the things not covered in the petition. Like, what is the penalty for a person growing more than the maximum. And, what is the penalty for a person growing without a "license"? There will be plenty of that to wade through.

It's all good. It's all the direction we have all wanted pot to go for a long time. There's going to be things about it that some love and some hate but, it's all going the right direction. It's better than an amendment that provides for mandatory life sentences for possession. LOL

Cheers, bud.

 

[Hackerman]

Well, good news for RO opposers. Dewine's office rejected RO's petition today. Kind of flimsy grounds but... rejected, nevertheless.

He will review the ROC petition and reject or certify it on the 27th.

 

[Melvan]

Not all that flimsy of grounds.

http://www.wfmj.com/story/28179633/attorney-general-rejects-proposed-ohio-marijuana-amendment

Ohio Rights Group was rejected first time around too, it's part of the process. Now they will rewrite, collect and validate the 1000 signatures to resubmit, and try again with the language fixed per the AG recommendations.

The Ohio Rights Group amendment has already been approved, and they are full on collecting the necessary signatures to have it voted on in November.

 

[Hackerman]

The Ohio Rights Group is for medical only. And, since the determination of a person who needs it for medical is yet to be decided (and will be decided by the General Assembly) it could be very limited to cancer, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma and epilepsy patients only.

The petition that is being reviewed on the 27th is the End Ohio Cannabis Prohibition Act and is presented by the Responsible Ohioans for Cannabis. Now, THIS is what you want. Full and open. Unfortunately, I read it and found at least 2 (and likely 4) reasons for rejection. I presume Mike's office will find them as well. Too bad.

 

[Hackerman]

Also, if you want to keep up on this and not depend on the "maybe" truths of the news media, you can go here and read the petitions and see the AG response almost immediately.

http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/BallotInitiatives

 

[pcduck]

The Ohio Rights Group is for medical only. And, since the determination of a person who needs it for medical is yet to be decided (and will be decided by the General Assembly) it could be very limited to cancer, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma and epilepsy patients only.

The petition that is being reviewed on the 27th is the End Ohio Cannabis Prohibition Act and is presented by the Responsible Ohioans for Cannabis. Now, THIS is what you want. Full and open. Unfortunately, I read it and found at least 2 (and likely 4) reasons for rejection. I presume Mike's office will find them as well. Too bad.

I have not read it yet but would like to know what 4 reasons for rejection you have found.

 

[Hackerman]

I'm not going to do Mike's work for him. I'll post after the 27th. Perhaps he'll miss them (actually, not him, her. Janet (his GA) does all the work. Mike wouldn't know a petition from a partition.

However, I'll say this. You can not repudiate the Federal Government. That's treason. Or, mutiny, or something. LMAO I can't imagine why they included that. (Section 10).

I also believe Section 11 was very poorly written. The opposers will be screaming that we're letting murderers out of jail (as we well may be as written). Paroled murderers but... the press won't say that.

Fortunately, it's not Mike's job to do anything other than to determine if the summary is a true and accurate summary of the full text. Nothing more. Like I said.... fortunately. LOL He's a total ****. And, his breath always smells like a cows butt. Phucker needs to carry Tic Tacs or something. LOL