Ohio Chamber opposes marijuana issue

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

A representative of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce was in Van Wert on Tuesday to talk about two constitutional amendments on the ballot this November.

Rich Thompson, director of political programs at the Ohio Chamber, spoke at Tuesday’s meeting of Van Wert Rotary Club at Willow Bend Country Club about State Issues 2 and 3, both of which are related to the possible legalization of marijuana.

“I’m going to talk to you all about the implications of what these proposals will have for members of the business community should they pass,” Thompson said, noting that the Ohio Chamber has four major concerns related to Issue 3.

The Ohio Chamber official said his organization opposes Issue 3, which would legalize marijuana use in Ohio, and said safety was a primary cause for concern for the Chamber, due to the large number marijuana sales outlets possible (1,159), which is three times the number of state liquor stores in Ohio and even more than McDonald’s and Starbucks locations in the state.

“This is going to be available on every street corner,” Thompson said, adding that there is a concern that children will be more at risk for marijuana use under the terms of Issue 3.

Children could even see marijuana-infused products such as brownies, cookies and candy that could contain high concentrations of THC, the active drug in marijuana.

He said the primary concern for the Ohio Chamber is workforce safety, with businesses likely unable to ban marijuana use in the workplace. Thompson noted that litigation was also likely to define when and where marijuana can be used, and what businesses can do to maintain workplace safety.

“We have some very, very grave concerns about that,” he said of the workplace safety issue, adding that the Chamber feels that workplace marijuana use would decrease productivity and lead to an increase in accidents, injuries and absenteeism.

Thompson used the city of Marion as an example as a community where businesses are already having problems finding workers who can pass a drug test, noting he feels legalizing marijuana would exacerbate that problem for Marion and other communities in the state.

Workers’ compensation issues could also arise for workplace injuries caused by an employee impaired because of marijuana use.

Another big issue for the Ohio Chamber with Issue 3 is the monopoly the issue would give to 10 property owners and their investors, who would be the only people who could receive profits from the commercial growing of marijuana in the state.

“We’re extremely opposed to this, because the Ohio Chamber promotes free enterprise,” Thompson said.

He also reminded Rotarians and their guests that, even if Ohio passes Issue 3, using marijuana remains illegal at the federal level.

Thompson also said the Chamber supports Issue 2, which would negate the possibility that a few people would have a monopoly on commercial growing of marijuana.

The Ohio Chamber official noted that, even if Issue 3 were approved, if Issue 2 also passes, it would essentially prevent Issue 3 from taking effect as written.

Thompson also mentioned that, because Issue 3 is a constitutional amendment, any attempts to “tweak” the issue if it passes would be difficult, and involve another election.