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Ohio Manufacturers Oppose Effort to Legalize Recreational Use of Marijuana

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Following a special meeting of its board of directors, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) is urging Ohioans to vote “no” on State Issue 2, the initiative to legalize recreational marijuana use and retail sales. The issue goes before Ohio voters this November.

OMA President Ryan Augsburger said: “Due to concerns regarding workplace safety, worker absenteeism, increased insurance costs, and the already lagging rate of workforce participation, the OMA board has voted overwhelmingly to oppose the effort to legalize recreational marijuana.

“America counts on Ohio manufacturers’ innovation and productivity. Legalizing recreational drug use would have significant ramifications for the Buckeye State’s No. 1 industry.”

The OMA has cited studies from states that have legalized recreational marijuana use, showing a 55% increase in workplace accidents and an 85% higher injury rate for workers who tested positive for marijuana.

A recent report by Quest Diagnostics found the number of marijuana-positive drug tests performed after workplace accidents soared 204% from 2012 to 2022, coinciding with the trend of more states legalizing recreational use.

The OMA notes that further research shows legalization directly impacts highway safety and has been linked to increased employee absenteeism. ### The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association is Ohio’s largest statewide business association comprised solely of manufacturers. Established in 1910, the OMA’s mission is to protect and grow Ohio manufacturing. It represents manufacturers of all sizes in every subsector of the industry. Manufacturing is Ohio’s largest economic sector, employing nearly 700,000 Ohioans and contributing more than $134 billion annually to the state’s economy. Visit ohiomfg.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

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The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association is Ohio’s largest statewide business association comprised solely of manufacturers. Established in 1910, the OMA’s mission is to protect and grow Ohio manufacturing. It represents manufacturers of all sizes in every subsector of the industry. Manufacturing is Ohio’s largest economic sector, employing nearly 700,000 Ohioans and contributing more than $134 billion annually to the state’s economy. Visit ohiomfg.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.