Eight years ago, Ohioans showed up at the polls and decided they did not want to legalize marijuana.

Of course, back in 2015, Issue 3 was a proposed state constitutional amendment, which according to the Ohio Capital Journal, “would have granted ‘exclusive rights’ for commercial marijuana growth, cultivation and extraction to ten predetermined parcels of land.” In other words, a few anonymous people were trying to simultaneously legalize and monopolize the marijuana industry here in Ohio. It was all a bit sketchy.

Today is a new day, and Issue 2 on the November 7, 2023 ballot is a citizen-initiated law. Also, quite a few states have — 19, if we’re counting correctly — have legalized marijuana in the past eight years.

So here’s what Issue 2 looks like and what it means.

From Ballotpedia:

Ohio Issue 2, the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, is on the ballot in Ohio as an indirect initiated state statute on November 7, 2023.

So what does voting “yes” mean?

A “yes” vote means marijuana would become legal in Ohio, and people who are 21 years and older could use and possess up to 2.5 ounces.

The state would create a new Division of Cannabis Control, which would regulate the new industry. There would also be a 10% tax on marijuana sales.

And a “no” vote?

A “no” vote means marijuana would not become legal.

Again, we’re not telling you how to vote. We can’t tell you how we’re going to vote. Some of us are in favor. Some of us aren’t. Some of us are tired of driving to Michigan for the weekend.

You are in control. Vote to use your power. Let politicians know who runs the show in O-H-I-O.

Power to the people, not just politicians.