With the Nov. 3 General Election Day in Ohio rolling around the corner, the hot-button Issue 3 has been the talk of the town, so to speak.

Marijuana is currently legalized in four states, and decriminalized in five others (Ohio included). Ohio surely would not be the first to take on this issue, but if it passes, they will also not be the last.

Issue 3 has a two-fold objective: [1] to legalize marijuana for personal and medical use and [2] to establish rules for growth and sales. If that is not simple enough for you, it is saying that it would be legal for distributors to grow and sell marijuana for any use. This would be confined to 10 "grow sites" and 1,100 retail buildings selling throughout the state. The average person could grow up to four plants in their own home (for personal use only), and could have up to eight ounces on their person at a time. All marijuana must be bought from the 10 "grow sites" only.

Whether or not you smoke weed, condone the use of weed (in the medical or personal sense), or approve of the idea of this being on the ballot, this is an interesting point in time for the state of Ohio. In response of the Issue being on the ballot, here are some simple pros and cons of Issue 3.

Pros:

1. Marijuana will, within the strict limits specified in the initiative, become legal to cultivate, use, and sell in Ohio for medicinal and personal use.

2. Issue 3 creates rules for a tightly controlled industry. The system of designated grow sites and quality control testing areas will ensure that the marijuana grown at these sites will address standards of public safety.

3. Issue 3 will create tens of thousands of jobs in Ohio and will eventually generate millions of dollars in tax revenue to support local government services.

Cons:

1. The state constitution should be used to protect the fundamental rights of all individuals, not create a marijuana monopoly filled with private investors.

2. The initiative sets up an exclusive business scheme that eliminates competition to such an extent that independent business owners could be permanently locked out of what is projected to be a billion-dollar market, and individual users who do not abide by the strict restrictions will still be subject to criminal penalties.

3. Issue 3 will flood Ohio with marijuana and marijuana-infused products, like candy and cookies, that put the public health and safety of Ohio’s adults and children in danger.

Whichever side you sit on, for or against Issue 3, this hot button issue will make history for the state of Ohio. This is obviously just a simple pros and cons list; search the Internet and you will see many arguments on both sides of the case. Just make sure the sources are legitimate! Remember to read up on the issues, and do not forget to vote Nov. 3! See you at the polls!

(Source: Voter's Guide 2015)