COLUMBUS — A task force underwritten by a well-funded campaign to legalize marijuana today issued a report projecting a big economic impact while taking a moderate stance on the medical and judicial effects of pot use.

Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters led the task force, which was paid for by ResponsibleOhio, the organization that is trying to pass a marijuana legalization constitutional amendment in November.

Mr. Deters said he believes marijuana is over-prosecuted and that criminalization has an unfair impact on minorities and the poor. He said he has become more “libertarian” on marijuana legalization as he has aged.

Mr. Deters said he was not paid. A ResponsibleOhio spokesman said some task force members were paid for their work. [Read more at the Toledo Blade]