Ohio Statewide Leaders Blast Proposed Marijuana Ballot Issue

Four of Ohio's statewide officers expressed opposition to a proposed ballot measure that would legalize marijuana in the state. The measure's backers say they envision a network of growers sending the product to designated testing facilities near Ohio colleges and universities for safety and potency screenings. The pot would then go to either not-for-profit medical marijuana dispensaries, retail outlets or to be infused into various consumer products. Attorney General Mike DeWine called the proposal "a stupid idea," while Secretary of State Jon Husted said he would push "vigorously" against it should it appear on November ballots. Treasurer Josh Mandel and Auditor Dave Yost also said the idea was not good for Ohio. The statewide officeholders spoke Thursday at a legislative preview session for journalists organized by The Associated Press.