WARREN — The Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board is opposing the legalization of recreational marijuana in Ohio.

Ohio Issue 2, the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, is on the Nov. 7 general election.

Mental Health and Recovery Board Executive Director April Caraway said the board opposes the initiative because the board funds treatment for people with substance issues and its research points out that legalization wouldn’t be a good idea.

Ratified by the board and signed by President Carol Henderson, the board’s resolution details why the group is not supporting the drug’s legalization for recreational use.

“Cannabis disorder is in our Top 10 of substance abuse that we treat in Trumbull County,” Caraway said. “Potential effects such as impaired driving, difficulty getting and maintaining a job, and family problems would overall be negative impacts if the issue passes.”

“We are also concerned that kids won’t think it’s harmful because it’s legal,” Caraway said. “Once marijuana was made legal for medical use, kids’ usage went up. And statistics show the earlier the use, the more problems later on. Use has gone up, and perception of harm has gone down.”

The resolution states “… the members of the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board urge voters to oppose Issue 2 and oppose the legalization of recreational marijuana in the state of Ohio.”

A “yes” vote supports this ballot initiative to legalize marijuana in Ohio, including to allowthe sale and purchase of marijuana, which a new Division of Cannabis Control would regulate; allowing persons who are at least 21 to use and possess marijuana, including up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana; and to enact a 10% tax on marijuana sales.

A “no” vote opposes this initiative to legalize marijuana in Ohio.

The Mental Health Board resolution, unanimously approved, states:

“… according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, there are real risks for people who use marijuana, especially youth and young adults and women who are pregnant or nursing. Today’s marijuana is stronger than ever before. People can and do become addicted to marijuana. ”

“SAMHSA stipulates that approximately one in 10 people who use marijuana will become addicted. When they start before the age 18, the rate of addiction rises to on in 6.”

“SAMHSA indicates that marijuana use can have negative and long-term effects including mental health issues, coordination issues, and impaired driving. ”

“Ohio leads the nation in opioid overdose deaths, and early marijuana use can lead to the use of other drugs. ”

dnewman@tribtoday.com