This November, Ohio voters will be deciding whether to support Initiative 3, which would legalize marijuana for adults. This campaign, run by a group called ResponsibleOhio, had previously attracted controversy over the initiative's language, but that jumped to a new level with the unveiling of "Buddie" as part of their college tour. The fuzzy superhero mascot with a marijuana bud for a head was quickly condemned by both legalization supporters and opponents, as it seems geared towards children and makes light of a very serious issue.

This mascot flies in the face of everything long-time marijuana legalization activists are fighting for: a responsible industry that improves communities and takes its pledge not to market to children seriously. Using a marijuana-headed superhero to campaign for legalization not only violates this pledge, but gives prohibitionists an argument against reform on a silver platter.

If we don’t act, Buddie may become the Joe Camel of marijuana: a prime example of irresponsibility that opponents can point to, potentially stalling reform or even reversing the trend toward legalization.

Whether or not you support ResponsibleOhio's ballot initiative, we can agree that they should not be using a marijuana mascot to push for the measure. It’s not too late for them to stop using this irresponsible and counterproductive tactic. Join me in telling the campaign, #NoMarijuanaMascots!