WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: State of Ohio, OneOhio Recovery Foundation Announce $20 Million Public Education Campaign on Cannabis Use

COLUMBUS, OH – In response to today’s announcement that the State of Ohio and the OneOhio Recovery Foundation are partnering to launch a $20 million statewide public education campaign on cannabis use, leaders from across the state issued the following statements praising the new effort:

MAYOR DON MASON

City of Zanesville; Chair of the OneOhio Recovery Foundation Board of Directors

“At the heart of this campaign is a simple goal: helping families make informed decisions that protect their health and safety. As chair of OneOhio, mayor of a growing city, and a father, I’m proud to support an effort that gives Ohioans clear, accurate information about the potential risks associated with marijuana. This is a critically important issue, and I’m grateful to the OneOhio Recovery Foundation and the State of Ohio for leading on it.”

TED ST JOHN

Founder & Chief Executive of Hope Town; Member of the OneOhio Recovery Foundation Board of Directors

“This is the kind of conversation Ohio needs right now. As someone in recovery, I know what happens when people don’t have good information, strong support, or honest guidance early enough. We owe Ohioans — especially young people and families — clear, evidence-based information about the risks of marijuana and substance use. Prevention only works when we are willing to tell the truth, reduce stigma, and meet people where they are. This initiative is about awareness, protection, and giving people a better chance before the damage is done.”

GRETA MAYER

CEO of the Mental Health Recovery Board of Clark, Greene & Madison Counties; Member of the OneOhio Recovery Foundation Board of Directors

“As behavioral health leaders, we know that prevention is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect families and strengthen communities. This effort raises awareness of the potential risks marijuana can pose, particularly during pregnancy and for developing children, and helps residents make informed decisions. The OneOhio Recovery Foundation is leading this urgent conversation with a clear voice: prevention education and community impact must go hand in hand.”

DR. HOLLY RAFFLE

Professor of Leadership and Public Service, Ohio University; Faculty Director of the Partnership for Community-Based Prevention at Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service

“Healthy communities rely on credible information. With the changing laws around cannabis in Ohio, we want to make sure everyone understands how it affects health—particularly young people and expecting mothers. This campaign provides the tools and knowledge Ohioans need to make healthy choices and protect their long-term well-being.”



STEVE STIVERS

President and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce

“With non-medical marijuana now legal in Ohio and use on the rise, employers are navigating new workplace challenges as they strive to ensure workers are safe, alert and able to do their jobs. That’s why education on this issue is more important than ever, and we look forward to working with the OneOhio Recovery Foundation to help educate our workforce.”

PAT TIBERI

President and CEO of the Ohio Business Roundtable

“Businesses depend on healthy employees and safe workplaces. As marijuana use increases among Ohio workers, employers need clear, evidence-based guidance to promote responsible decisions and support prevention. The Ohio Business Roundtable was an early supporter of this campaign because giving employers the right tools is essential to keeping Ohio’s workforce strong, safe, and productive.”

NICK LASHUTKA

President and CEO of the Ohio Children’s Hospitals Association

“Immediately following the legalization of recreational marijuana in Ohio, cases of children ages 12 and younger who were exposed to cannabis increased by 52% over the year prior based on calls to Ohio Poison Centers in 2024. Additionally, over a two-year period of time, there were more than 18,000 cases across the U.S. of pediatric poisoning due to marijuana edibles. Prevention of these types of cases and ensuring people have accurate and reliable information about the health impact and potential dangers of marijuana has never been more critical. Ohio's children's hospitals are committed to doing our part to support prevention education for children and families - and we are grateful to the State of Ohio and the OneOhio Recovery Foundation for leading this new effort."

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