Rep. Jarrells Celebrates Passage of Issues 1 and 2, Commends Voters on Prioritizing Personal Freedoms

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) today released the following statement regarding the passage of Issue 1 and Issue 2 by Ohio’s voters:

“Yesterday, Ohioans affirmed their commitment to personal freedom and autonomy with the passage of Issue 1. I am extremely pleased that the right to individual reproductive decision-making is now protected in our state’s constitution,” said Rep. Jarrells. “Ohioans also came together to legalize recreational marijuana through the passage of  Issue 2, another decision that betters our state by allowing us to safely regulate the manufacturing of cannabis while making sure that the benefits are reaped equitably.”

Issue 1’s victory enshrines the right to abortion into Ohio’s constitution, guaranteeing that every individual has the right to one’s own reproductive decisions, including but not limited to decisions on contraception, fertility treatment, continuing one’s own pregnancy, and miscarriage care. The amendment prohibits infringement on abortion up until fetal viability while allowing abortions up to any stage in the pregnancy when the life of the mother is threatened.

Issue 2’s victory will legalize and regulate the cultivation, manufacturing, testing, and sale of marijuana to adults ages 21 and up, and legalize home grow for adults ages 21 and up with a limit of six plants per person and 12 plants per residence. Additionally, as part of the social equity program, the legislation will award cultivation and dispensary licenses to those who have been disproportionately affected by the past prohibition of marijuana, including those with marijuana arrests and convictions. Issue 2 adds Ohio to the list of 23 other US states that have legalized the recreational use of cannabis.