A nationwide organization is trying in small towns like Rushville to alter public perceptions about marijuana.
On November 8, Rushville voters approved a measure decriminalizing marijuana 52 to 36. It was introduced by NORML Appalachia of Ohio as a part of a national campaign to legalize marijuana. NORML is the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.
Don Keeney, Executive Director of NORML Appalachia of Ohio, said, “That’s our duty, to try to alter attitudes and convince the public. “Which is already in our favor, but changing the public’s perception of it is our aim. Show them that there is someone out there that is behind them, who cares about what they think and feel.”
Although some people could mistake decriminalizing marijuana for legalizing it, the two are fundamentally different. The selling of marijuana for either medical or recreational purposes as well as other items containing marijuana would be permitted after legalization. Regarding decriminalization, the drug is still technically unlawful but is subject to less severe punishment. Although decriminalizing marijuana is a local matter, the state should legalize marijuana.
In the case of NORML, the decriminalization the group advocates would result in absolutely no punishment for non-violent marijuana infractions. Offenders would not face any punishment, not even jail time or a fine.
Getting local villages and communities to put marijuana decriminalization on the ballot is one-way NORML accomplishes this. According to Keeney, legislators will go straight into communities and demonstrate that this is a winning subject if they are unable to accomplish anything at the state level.
At the state level, nothing appears to be progressing, according to Keeney. “Nothing is happening at the statehouse. Although there is discussion, nothing is done. These officials frequently claim that “our people don’t approve of this.” Then, we’ll follow them closely in their districts, take on their cities and towns, and eventually pass with a solid victory.”
The decriminalization of marijuana recently passed in Kent, according to Keeney, with 80.8% of the vote, the biggest margin of victory he has yet to witness.
According to Keeny, NORML does not pick random places to target for its campaigns. Instead, they make decisions based on the community members that visit them. They then start working on getting decriminalization on the ballot in that community.
When someone from one of these villages approaches us and asks, “Hey, can you do this in our village?” we will make every effort to make it happen, according to Keeney.
Rushville was brought to NORML’s attention by Melissa Eppich, a local who works in the cannabis business. Eppich’s interest in decriminalizing marijuana, however, is not purely professional; it is a cause that holds emotional value for him.
“A really brief tale of why I even believe in cannabis so much is that both my parents battled cancer twice, and I lost my mother to stage four lung cancer,” said Eppich. There has been a lot of research that suggests that while her result might not have changed, the journey could have been much less traumatic.
Eppich Added that Using Marijuana as A Treatment Has Personally Been a Huge Help.
I have various auto-immune disorders, and this is the only medication that works for me, according to Eppich. It supports my day-to-day survival.
Eppich said it meant a lot to her to have contributed to the liberalization of marijuana in her own neighborhood. She urged people to try to do the same in other villages and towns in Fairfield County and elsewhere.
Eppich stated, “I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t. Everybody, every hamlet, and every little town should work on this, in my opinion, since it demonstrates our support for the Ohio program and for the plant’s restoration.
In the end, Keeney declared that NORML’s campaign is successful. They are gaining more than they are losing as four of their five local initiatives are expected to pass in 2022.
Keeney declared, “We’re winning this thing fairly well.
Keeney predicted that Sugar Grove in Fairfield County might vote to decriminalize marijuana soon.
On their website, NORML Appalachia of Ohio provides more information for anyone who want to advocate for the same reform in other Ohio villages and towns.
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