Marijuana has become a rather large topic in recent months and has now been put on the ballot for legalization. There have been pro-marijuana groups that are out campaigning for the legalization of marijuana, and one group in particular, ResponsibleOhio, has been visiting colleges in Ohio. They are out there to encourage those 21 and older living in Ohio to vote yes on Issue 3.

ResponsibleOhio has come out with a mascot that looks like the Grinch — a buff, green superhero. The head is supposed to look like a marijuana bud. Personally, I believe the mascot is creepy and doesn’t do much for the cause. I’m not quite sure what their ideas about the creation of the mascot were, but they have decided to go along with it and hope to get as many people as they can. There are groups all over that are pro-marijuana, but this is the biggest one that is based out of Columbus and has a mascot. They are up for whatever it takes to make sure this ballot gets passed.

ResponsibleOhio is very adamant about this cause. They have filed a 40-page complaint about the wording that was going into the ballot. They believe there was “prejudicial language” and the ballot left out key points that are crucial to the proposed constitutional amendment. They believed the first draft did not inform voters adequately to what they were voting on. They believe using the word “personal” rather than “recreational” to describe marijuana that is not being used for medical purposes.

Issue 3 includes the sale of marijuana, the use of marijuana for those 21 and older and the use of medical marijuana for children with the permission from their parents. This does not mean that just anybody can grow marijuana, although I’m sure people will still do so.

The marijuana issue has been brought up a lot, and it’s very controversial. It’s a huge issue because there are states that have legalized marijuana. It’s just a matter of time until more states join in. Twenty-three states have legalized marijuana in some form, whether that means recreational use or medical use. There have also been some states that have decriminalized small amounts of marijuana. This is a big movement to legalize marijuana altogether.

At Ohio University, we have gone tobacco-free. I’ll be curious to see if Ohio legalizes marijuana and what that will mean for our campus. There will probably be things done to make sure that the use of marijuana is limited on campus, but I suppose only time will tell. Ohio University is doing the best they can to make sure their campus is safe.