Wilkin Opposes Drug Cartel Putting Profits Over People

COLUMBUS—State Senator Shane Wilkin (R-Hillsboro) strongly supports Senate Resolution 216, which expresses the Senate’s opposition to Issue 2, the proposed initiated statute that would legalize the use and retail sale of recreational marijuana.

"Marijuana use has dire health consequences, and legalizing this drug will make our addiction crisis worse and put more lives in jeopardy," Wilkin said. "I am proud to tell Ohioans why this proposal is a bad deal for our state."

Issue 2 was written by the commercial marijuana industry to put their profits over people. Ohio already leads the nation in opioid overdose deaths. Drug overdoses are the leading cause of injury death in Ohio, and 33,000 Ohioans have died of drug overdoses since 2011. Issue 2 will allow the marijuana industry to capitalize on addiction and turn it into profit. 

The stark ramifications of legalizing recreational marijuana are evident from other states and in numerous studies. Senate Resolution 216 describes these repercussions, including:

• Increases in fatal traffic accidents and injuries in traffic accidents;
• Increases in crimes rates, including violent crimes;
• Increased workplace accidents;
• Declines in brain function in adulthood for adolescent users.

Senate Resolution 216 also details the financial benefits the marijuana industry would attain if Issue 2 would pass. Issue 2:

• Gives more than a third of tax revenue generated to the industry itself through its “social equity” fund program;
• Does not include any funds for Ohio counties to administer addiction treatment programs and other challenges from increased drug use in Ohio;
• Does not allow Ohioans to direct tax revenue towards priorities such as public education and road improvements.

Issue 2 is on the ballot this November. Learn more about Senate Resolution 216 here.