Source: Health Policy Institute of Ohio
State lawmakers are exploring the possibility of allowing the use of marijuana in Ohio for medical purposes only (Source: “Ohio Lawmakers Look into Medical Use of Pot, ” Toledo Blade, January 11, 2016).
Speaker of the Ohio House Clifford A. Rosenberger (R-Clarksville, OH) and State Representative Kirk Schuring (R-Canton, OH) held a press conference on January 11 to announce details regarding the creation of a bipartisan task force charged with addressing the issue of medical marijuana. The task force is expected to host a series of hearings across the state to gauge Ohioans’ feelings on what that system might look like. Absent from those discussions, though, will be the idea of legalizing pot for recreational purposes or the wholesale and retail infrastructures that were blamed for the failure of Issue 3 on November 3, 2015.
Senator David Burke (R-Marysville, OH) does not support marijuana use, but said he would prefer that the General Assembly explore the issue and potentially take action, rather that have the state Constitution amended as it was for casino gambling.
“There is more support among Ohioans for medical marijuana than there has been in the past,” said Sen. Burke, who is taking a lead on the issue in the Senate. “I believe it is prudent that the General Assembly function as it should and reflect the will of our constituents.”
The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians Advocacy Commission will be discussing this issue at its meeting on Saturday, January 23. The OAFP opposed the ballot issue last fall. View the American Academy of Family Physicians policy on marijuana.