Kent State community reacts to Issue 2

 

 

In the wake of Ohio’s passage of Issue 2 the Kent community and Kent State University find themselves at a crossroads of policy changes and potential cultural shifts. 

 

On Nov.7, Ohio voted on and passed Issue 2, a citizens-initiative bill that legalizes marijuana with limitations such as users being unable to consume while operating a vehicle and in public areas. 

 

The implications of this decision have sparked conversations among Kent State University officials. 

 

Associate Dean of Students for Conduct and Community Engagement Todd Kamenash emphasized the university’s commitment to federal regulations due to receiving federal funding. 

 

“Marijuana is considered a controlled substance,” Kamenash said. “We are bound by federal rules for that.” 

 

Despite Ohio’s recent changes, Kent State’s marijuana policy remains unchanged, prohibiting possession and use on campus. Kamenash highlighted that any update on the university’s policy would depend on if the federal law changes. 

 

Kent State adheres to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act which emphasizes education and awareness. The university provides resources to help students make informed choices regarding alcohol and drug use. 

 

“This is about understanding and meeting with students where they’re at, rather than just saying ‘no, no, no,’” Kamenash said.  

 

Regarding the impact of Issue 2, Kamenash acknowledged the possibility of an increase of incidents on campus, especially among off-campus students less familiar with the policies. To address this, the university has created a FAQ page to set expectations and guidelines. 

 

Kent State Police Department Sergeant Tricia Knoles also expressed the need for education on the risks associated with marijuana use. 

 

“I researched Colorado and how their crime rate rose after the legalization of marijuana,” Knoles said. “I think it was 300% in the first couple of years.” 

 

Knoles also highlighted potential concerns such as impaired driving and the increase of incidents.

 

“Consuming marijuana and driving is just as much of a concern for the community as drinking and driving,” Knoles said. 

 

Kent’s first medical marijuana dispensary, Bliss, opened in April of this year. Co-owner and CFO Dwayne Siekman has seen a surge in customers since the approval of Issue 2. 

 

However, even with the approval of Issue 2, Siekman and other medical marijuana dispensary owners will have to obtain a license to sell recreationally.  

 

“In six months we would be able to apply for a license to sell adult-use,” Siekman said. 

 

On Dec.7, the first official day that legalized marijuana was put into place, the Ohio Senate proposed changes to the existing legislation to speed up the process for owners to obtain a license to sell. The proposed changes would be from six months to just 90 days. 

 

Specific changes to Bliss’s products include the addition of pre-rolls or rolled cannabis cigarettes. 

 

Siekman described Bliss as a business founded on the belief in plant-based medicine. He and his wife Pamela, who co-own the dispensary entered the medical marijuana business industry in 2015, working as lobbyists. 

 

“We’re big believers of what nature has given to us,” Siekman said. “In terms of the ability to heal, offer relief, medical marijuana is one of those products.” 

 

Kent State physician Dr. Lisa Dannemiller shed light on the health implications of smoking marijuana. However, she also explained that there is conflicting research since it has not been legalized for very long. 

 

“When I was reviewing it, one study says this and another study says this,” Dr. Dannemiller said. “There’s still a lot of controversy on some of it.” 

 

Dr. Dannemiller clarified that marijuana use has not been associated with lung cancer, but highlighted an association with a form of testicular cancer. 

 

“One of the cancers that it has been associated with is testicular cancer, which I’m sure a lot of people don’t really realize,” Dr. Dannemiller said. 

 

When it comes to addiction, Dr. Dannemiller expressed that marijuana is not as addictive as alcohol or opioids, but nonetheless it can be overconsumed. 

 

“Cannabis use disorder is like alcohol abuse,” Dr. Dannemiller said. “It’s using it to the extent that it’s affecting your ability to work, go to school, or be a productive member in society.” 

 

Dr. Dannemiller expressed that if an individual is consuming marijuana, it should be regulated. 

 

“Using it infrequently with lower concentrations of THC is probably better than using it on a regular basis,” Dr. Dannemiller said.