BRIEFLY Head of failed Ohio pot legalization effort vows to regroup

BRIEFLY

Head of failed Ohio pot legalization effort vows to regroup

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The head of Ohio's failed campaign to legalize medical and recreational marijuana in a single vote says the effort is regrouping for 2016 and will be gathering input from residents on how best to proceed.

In an 'open letter to Ohioans' released Wednesday, ResponsibleOhio Executive Director Ian James acknowledged the campaign made two major mistakes. He says they were limiting marijuana production to 10 exclusive private growing sites and using the playful Buddie mascot, which critics said was inappropriately aimed at children.

James said most Ohioans still support legalizing medical marijuana and about six in 10 support legalizing pot for recreational use, so 'marijuana legalization is coming back to the ballot in 2016.'

He said the next plan will incorporate a free market, tax marijuana establishments like other business and allow hemp farming.