Student Opinions | Graphic by Monica Brutto | The Wright State Guardian
On Nov. 7, 2023, the citizens of Ohio voted to pass Issues 1 and 2, protecting abortion rights and legalizing recreational marijuana. Wright State University students have varying opinions on the issues.
Issue 1
Issue 1 is perhaps one of the most controversial issues in the past few months, as it deals with an often-discussed topic: abortion. The proposed amendment in Issue 1 will give individuals the right to one’s own reproductive medical treatment and legally protect those who assist in this treatment, among other medical protections.
The viability of an unborn child is also discussed in Issue 1, which prohibits the state from burdening, penalizing or prohibiting abortion before the unborn child is determined to be viable. It also grants a pregnant individual’s physician the authority to determine whether or not the unborn child is viable. The state will be able to prohibit an abortion if the physician determines the child to be viable and if the physician does not consider the abortion necessary to protect the pregnant person’s life or health.
Lastly, Issue 1 will allow an unborn child to be aborted at any stage of pregnancy, regardless of viability, if the life or health of the pregnant person is at risk.
Amber Maloof, a classics undergraduate major at Wright State University, was unable to vote due to not being an Ohio resident; however, she lives here to attend school and pays close attention to the issues on the ballot.
“This is what people want, not what politicians want,” Maloof said.
Maloof found that a lot of the online discourse surrounding the issue is focused on the idea that people—rather than the politicians—get to choose what they want.
Gabriel Vanderpool, a medical lab science major at WSU, also weighed in with thoughts about Issue 1.
“I feel that Issue 1 is a great leap for Ohio. We have a negative image as being part of the Bible belt and having very religious views on issues such as abortion. I feel that it is a great step towards women’s rights,” Vanderpool said.
Vanderpool notes concerns that Issue 1 will be revised in the House of Representatives as they make changes to the legislature.
Issue 2
Issue 2 states that a division will be created within the Department of Commerce called the Division of Cannabis Control. Issue 2 will legalize and regulate the cultivation, processing, sale, purchase, possession, home growth and use of cannabis by adults aged 21 and older.
Issue 2 will create additional protections for those who engage in permitted adult use of cannabis by establishing the Cannabis Social Equity and Jobs program. The program will help those who qualify to be allowed to have level three adult-use cannabis cultivator and dispensary licenses based on their social and economic disadvantage.
Landlords or employers will be able to prohibit the use of cannabis in certain circumstances and prohibit the operation of a motor vehicle while using or under the influence of cannabis. It will limit criminal liability for certain financial institutions that provide financial services to any lawful adult-use cannabis operator or testing laboratory that is properly licensed.
The Division of Cannabis Control will also enter an agreement with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to create a program for those struggling with cannabis addiction.
Karama Noaks, a communications graduate at Wright State currently attending as a master’s student, believes that Issue 2 is a matter of freedom. She voted yes for both issues on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
“I like direct ballot initiatives because that is when the will of the people can be heard,” Noaks said.
Many of the people who voted no argue that Issue 2 legalizes an addiction-for-profit industry at the expense of our families and poses substantial risks to the public health and safety of all Ohioans. They worry that Issue 2’s passing will negatively affect those of higher risk for addiction, such as children and adolescents.
Future effects
Vanderpool explained some effects that Issue 2 might have throughout Ohio communities.
“I feel like Issue 2 will do a wonder for Ohio’s economy, though searching for employees will be more difficult for employers. I think they will have to decrease drug testing in the workplace due to failed drug tests, or we will face a huge staffing crisis,” Vanderpool continued.
Overall, Wright State students have varying opinions about Issues 1 and 2, and now that both have passed, many have different ideas about the lasting effects.
