“Even from this incomplete data set, it remains clear that marijuana seizures and prosecutions remain a primary driver of drug war enforcement in the United States.”
If passed, Ohio will be the 24th state to legalize the adult-use marijuana market, and the 14th do so by a public vote.
“Those who consume alcohol legally and responsibly while away from their jobs do not suffer sanctions from their employers unless their work performance is adversely impacted. Those who legally consume cannabis should be held to a similar workplace standards.”
Numerous studies assessing the long-term health impacts of cannabis smoke exposure belie the myth that marijuana is associated with the same sort of well established, adverse respiratory hazards as tobacco.
The survey’s authors acknowledged that existing federal testing regulations are contributing to significant numbers of truck drivers leaving the industry while also dissuading new workers from entering it.
“Ohioans have seen similar legalization laws adopted in neighboring states and they know that regulating the cannabis market is preferable to the failed policy of prohibition.”
Although members of the House have passed an earlier version of the legislation — the SAFE Banking Act — on seven prior occasions, today’s vote marks the first time that Senate members have voted in favor of the measure.
Under the new statewide policy, which takes effect on Sunday, October 1st, most public employees will no longer be required to undergo pre-employment marijuana testing.