Ohioans will vote on legalizing recreational marijuana on the Nov. 7 election ballot, possibly putting Ohio as the twenty-fourth state to legalize recreational use.
Although medical marijuana has been legal in Ohio since 2016, legalizing recreational use would bring many changes to Ohio’s marijuana industry.
There are many concerns about the overall impact and changes that would arise if Issue 2 passes. Some students feel they will be greatly impacted and that it might change their overall college experience.
“I think that if marijuana gets legalized it could be good for students with high stress levels and anxiety,” said Allysa Maguire, a junior majoring in adolescent education. “I also can see some students abusing it more since it will be legal.”
A major concern with legalizing marijuana is how our society will adapt and change. It brings to light many social issues, including what is acceptable in different public settings. To add, many students are concerned with how their education will be impacted and what their university’s campus policies will look like.
“I think both professors and students will be impacted by having to communicate with people who are high,” said Reed Cook, a junior majoring in business. “Once it’s legalized I feel more students and professors will show up to class high, and I don’t know how many students want their professors high.”
The status of students’ mental health has also developed some concerns surrounding Issue 2 as well. The mental health crisis among college students and the potential legalization of marijuana could change the college experience for newcomers, according to some students.
“I think that legalizing marijuana will change many people’s college experience because a lot of them, especially incoming freshmen, haven’t been exposed to the college atmosphere,” said Jade Peace, a junior majoring in marketing. “It personally wouldn’t have a big effect on my experience, but I can see how it might affect others.”
With voting, there will always be pros and cons and it’s important to weigh out both scenarios. With legalizing marijuana, many people have their own opinions on why they’re for or against it.
Nonetheless, this upcoming vote may have the capacity to change how our society operates.
