NFIB Ohio Members:
NFIB/Ohio announced the organization’s strong opposition to State Issue 3, which places legalized marijuana into the Ohio Constitution.
Before establishing our position on the issue, NFIB/Ohio conducted a survey of the state membership, presented background as well as balanced proponent and opponent arguments.
When voting closed, it was clear that small-business owners in Ohio were overwhelmingly opposed to the legalization of marijuana proposed in State Issue 3. Points to consider:
*Small-business owners across the state have relayed their concerns regarding the ability to hire and fill vacancies in their workplaces, and see the legalization of marijuana as another significant negative factor in potential employees’ ability to pass often required drug screenings.
*They are concerned over how the expanded availability of the drug would impact workplace safety for those employees already on the job and the safety of their customers.
*As for medical marijuana, the Ohio Constitution is not the appropriate place for this issue, it is better placed within our representative democracy, the Ohio *Legislature, where a more thorough debate can occur on such an important public policy change.
*Our members have always raised concerns regarding the creation of monopolies. Small-business owners are strong believers in the free enterprise system. The establishment of 10 specific parcels of land for growing marijuana that will enrich a select few investors is a significant departure from this concept.
NFIB/Ohio will encourage members across the state to help them engage in the grassroots efforts to pass Issue 2 and defeat Issue 3 this coming November.
Sincerely,
Roger Geiger
Vice President, Executive Director
NFIB/OH
