Cannabis policy can be contentious. From whether to legalize, to how a regulated market should work, people have opinions on all sides. But one Ohio lawmaker says he’s received death threats over a cannabis bill currently moving through the legislature—and he wants to set the record straight.
At this week’s IgniteIt Market Spotlight event in Cincinnati, Rep. Jamie Callendar addressed alleged misinformation spreading online about SB56. The legislation builds upon Issue 2, the voter initiative that led to the legalization of adult-use cannabis in the Buckeye State.
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Callendar noted that rumors about a home-grow ban and new felonies for certain possession charges are categorically false. He clarified that the only new felony in SB56 would apply to a second offense of selling marijuana to a minor.
“[It’s] the kind of thing that’s led to me having a dozen death threats in the last month, and I’m not real happy about it,” the Republican lawmaker told GreenState, adding he had received another threatening message that morning.
“They send me my address and say, ‘next time you come home will be the last time you come home.’”
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Ohio legislators have faced some criticism over proposed changes to the state’s voter-approved cannabis policy. While much of the bill’s updates focus on regulating intoxicating hemp products, it also includes changes to the state’s cannabis policy.
Some advocates are concerned about potential rollbacks to anti-discrimination protections for cannabis consumers and tighter restrictions on possession of cannabis not obtained from a dispensary or home grow. In an action alert, NORML called the proposed changes a “slap in the face” to voters.
Callendar criticized NORML and other groups, arguing that their messaging is unproductive.
“They’re doing more harm to that which they claim to be advocating for,” he said. “And it’s sad.”
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Callendar maintained that SB56 honors the intent of voters under Issue 2 and strengthens legislation that he says “was not conclusive.” He said his goal is to make cannabis products safer and more accessible to consumers. Callendar is also a proponent of public consumption, arguing that permitting tobacco use in certain areas but not cannabis is unfair.
The fate of SB56 remains uncertain. The State Senate rejected the updated version of the bill from the House, likely sending the legislation to a conference committee. Callendar urges his constituents to read the bill in its entirety before passing judgment. But if one thing’s for sure, fake news spreads fast.
