ACTIVISM: Cannabis Legalization
Ft. Pricilla Harris & Chad Thompson
Activists in Ohio are thrilled about the upcoming chance to vote for the legalization of cannabis in the state. Joining me today are Pricilla Harris, the executive director of the Sensible Movement Coalition, a nonprofit organization in Ohio that empowers, educates, and aids local citizens pursuing their constitutional rights of home rule, and Chad Thompson, the Architect/Author of "The Sensible Marijuana Ordinance", the first-ever complete decriminalization law. We will discuss the Regulate Like Alcohol law, in which Ohio voters will have the chance to vote yes or no in November 2023.
Pricilla Harris (Right)
Pricilla Harris is an activist for cannabis legalization and now heads the Sensible Movement Coalition. Collaborating with Ohio Legislators for 5+ years, Pricilla strives to legalize cannabis across all 50 states and territories. Additionally, Pricilla's efforts have resulted in the decriminalization of cannabis in various cities. Pricilla is a key force in the fight for cannabis acceptance.
Chad Thompson (Left)
Chad is a multifaceted individual who wears many hats. He is a father, an activist, and a firm flat earth believer. Beyond that, he works tirelessly as a cannabis activist and writer of the Sensible Marijuana Ordinance. This innovative legislation has had a profound impact, leading to the decriminalization of cannabis in over 40 cities.
What's Sensible Decriminalization?
The state-level decriminalization of cannabis began in the early 1970s when Oregon lowered fines and eliminated the possibility of imprisonment for small possession amounts. However, these laws often led to large fines and collateral consequences such as the loss of driver's licenses and federal grants. "Sensible Decriminalization" is different as it removes all fines, jail time, and court costs, prioritizing other offenses instead of issuing cannabis tickets, which is similar to how jaywalking is low-priority. This effective method is working locally, allowing citizens to have more success with smaller-scale efforts.
Source Material
∎Home | Sensible Movement Coalition
∎ (115) Gov. DeWine, pro-Issue 2 voter weigh in on marijuana legalization - YouTube
∎Ohio Issue 3, Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2015) - Ballotpedia
∎Ohio Issue 2, Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2023) - Ballotpedia
∎Cleveland School of Cannabis: Certified Cannabis Education (csceducation.com)
∎Senate Bill 9 | 135th General Assembly | Ohio Legislature
∎The Effect of State Marijuana Legalizations: 2021 Update | Cato Institute
∎Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine discusses recreational marijuana starting Thursday statewide - YouTube
∎issuesreport.pdf (ohiosos.gov)