Weed Bill Ends Up In Suit

Supporters of recreational marijuana legalization in Ohio have sued state legislative leaders in an anticipated dispute over whether a legalization referendum can appear on this November’s ballot. The lawsuit was filed in Columbus…in a belief that Ohio’s Republican legislative leaders will argue petitions gathered by the pro-marijuana group weren’t submitted in time to allow a November vote. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose on Jan. 28 submitted petitions on behalf of the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, to the Legislature…giving it four months to act on the proposed law. If it does not act by May 28, the group can gather additional signatures to put the issue on the ballot, according to the lawsuit. Senate President Matt Huffman has said the Senate won’t consider the proposed law. The lawsuit says there is precedent based on Ohio Supreme Court decisions that would allow for a vote this November.