Tystenac polls differ from election results on statewide marijuana issue

TU’s news writing class took an informal poll of 114 people, asking whether they approved or disapproved of legalizing marijuana in Ohio. Sixty-five people supported legalizing it; 45 people were opposed; four people said they did not care. The following are some of the reasons people gave for their positions. The news writing class chose not to disclose participants’ names.

​“I support it because I [have] seen major improvements to the school system in Colorado because of legalization. I think it is stupid to waste police money and time on something like pot when there are bigger issues at hand.” 

​“I think by legalizing marijuana it opens up debate for the legalization of other drugs.” 

“I'm all about freedom, I just don’t want to smoke it.”

“People use it, and so it is better to legalize marijuana so that there is no illegal business"

​"I am for the legalization of marijuana considering alcohol used to be banned at one time in the United States. People will grow to get used to it."

"I am for the legalization of marijuana because people are always going to smoke it whether it is legal or illegal. Marijuana is also a cure of epilepsy, which covers a wide area of children in the United States."

"I do not support the legalization of marijuana because I fear that it will cause even more reckless driving."

​In addition, the Tystenac staff took a Twitter survey. The results below closely mirror the results of the informal poll conducted by news writing students.

Poll for the @TUTystenac: ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF LEGALIZING WEED? (Results will be published.)

— Nick (@OneOfManyNicks) October 29, 2015

​According to Toledo's 13abc, Issue 3 failed by a very large margin. While our polls painted the picture of a close race, there was a 30% gap between votes of approval and disapproval.

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Also see what Nick Lachey, lead singer of the group 98 Degrees, would have gained from the passage of Issue 3 at Complex.com.