Ed Hughes
CEO of Compass Community Health and The Counseling Center
I would like to add my support to the efforts of Scioto County Health Commissioner Dr. Aaron Adams, County Commissioner Bryan Davis, and Portsmouth Police Chief Robert Ware as they have so effectively spoken about their concerns and opposition to Issue 3, a proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution legalizing marijuana for both medicinal and recreational use, as well as sanctioning commercial pot growing ventures throughout the state.
I have had the opportunity to share my opposition to this particular state amendment with families who are experiencing addiction with a loved one. These families are suffering with the horrors associated with drug addiction and they understand the risks associated with the potential of making marijuana more accessible to youth. Our citizens know that regardless of the promises of preventing access to kids, the reality will be much different. Our long and poor history of preventing underage drinking should serve as a guide to our opinions about marijuana legalization. Our community has witnessed the devastation caused by drug abuse and addiction. We have made significant progress in the areas of treatment, law enforcement, and public awareness. We cannot afford to take a step backwards in this battle to prevent early access to addictive drugs by our youth.
Hughes is a graduate of Ohio University with a B.A. in Sociology. He earned a Master’s of Public Service Counseling from Western Kentucky University and is licensed as an Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor for the State of Ohio.
Mr. Hughes served as Executive Director of The Counseling Center, Inc. 1989-2013, and is currently CEO of Compass Community Health & The Counseling Center, Inc. Selected Administrator of the Year by the Ohio Chapter of the National Association of Drug and Alcohol Counselors, he is a sought after lecturer, educator and panelist on drug treatment issues and prevention activities, and has written a companion book, Baffled By Addiction with Dr. Ronald Turner, MD.
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