ACLU of Ohio backs legal weed issue

The ACLU of Ohio is backing Issue 3, the proposal to legalize marijuana for recreational and medical use, saying now is the time to reform state laws on weed.

ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link said marijuana prohibition has led to "nothing but misery and injustice" and has contributed to "mass incarceration for non-violent crimes and left the inevitable illegal supply chain for marijuana in the hands of violent criminals."

Link also said in a written statement that because getting on the statewide ballot is so costly and cumbersome, this might be the best chance for legalizing marijuana for years to come.

“Issue 3 needs to pass on Election Day because its failure may well mean another 10 or 20 years of the same bad policies of excessive punishment, a justice system clogged by marijuana prosecutions, lives ruined by prison, and marijuana in the hands of illegal, unregulated, and dangerous cartels," she said.

The ACLU was instrumental in passing a ballot issue in Washington in 2012, citing mass incarcerations and injustice as the reasoning. The ACLU of Ohio has not taken the lead on Issue 3, which is being driven by the 10 investor groups that will control the commercial marijuana growing operations if it passes.

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