Reineke weighs in on Issues 2, 3

FREMONT— State representative Bill Reineke blasted Monday what he described as the potential monopoly for 10 pre-selected marijuana growers if Issue 3 passes, along with the harmful effects it could have on workforce development if the ballot initiative prevails with Ohio voters.

"It's going to destroy our workforce. I'm totally concerned," Reineke said at a speech to Fremont Tea Party members.

Reineke, R-Tiffin, spoke to the group at the Fremont Baptist Temple Monday night about state ballot Issues 2 and Issue 3, as well as providing an update on Ohio budget issues from this year's legislative session.

He told Tea Party members he supported a yes vote on Issue 2, which would prohibit groups from using a ballot initiative to place a monopoly, oligopoly or exclusive tax benefit into the state constitution.

"It's eliminating the monopolies," Reineke said.

Passage of Issue 3 would create a Marijuana Control Commission that would regulate and tax marijuana cultivation, processing, testing and retail sales in Ohio. It would also eliminate all penalties on possession of one ounce of marijuana and organize the growing of the commercial crop on 10 farms around the state.

The state representative also urged group members to vote yes on Issue 1, which would set up a seven-member panel to draw new state legislative districts. That panel would include the governor and members of both political parties.

During his presentation, Reineke referenced the state's continuing problems in dealing with drug addiction and the prevalence of relatively cheap heroin on the streets.

He said Issue 3, if passed, would give exclusive rights to 10 marijuana farms for production. Reineke said it would flood the state with the drug, with more than 1,100 retail stores being created for sales of marijuana.

Supporters of Issue 3 have argued that passage of the ballot initiative will make it easier to curb black market sales of marijuana, provide strict regulation on sales and give adults 21 and over the freedom to use the drug for personal or medical reasons.

Pastor Gary Glick asked Reineke, who represents the 88th House District that includes all of Sandusky County and most of Seneca County, if there was any way people opposed to Issue 3 could protect the political process.

"That's why we have Issue 2, to protect the process," Reineke said.

After the meeting, Reineke said the debate over Issue 3 was the number one issue he had heard about from constituents during the 2015 political season.

He said the monopoly for growers and the potential availability of the drug to minors, as well as the impact of marijuana on workers and the ability to pass drug tests had been brought up repeatedly by voters and business owners.

dacarson@gannett.com

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Twitter:@DanielCarson7