Legislation to legalize dispensing, growing and using marijuana for medical purposes has been introduced in the Ohio House. Passage is unlikely, but if that happens, Ohio would become the 15th state to make medical marijuana legal.
The primary sponsor is Rep. Kenny Yuko, D-Richmond Heights, but there are five other sponsors. The Drug Policy Alliance in Ohio worked with Yuko in drafting the bill, which is similar to Senate Bill 343 from the last session but has significant changes, backers said.
Edward J. Orlett, a former state lawmaker who is Ohio representative for the California-based Drug Policy Alliance, said if the state doesn't pass the legislation, voters could take matters into their own hands. Michigan residents did that in passing a similar medical marijuana ballot issue in 2008.
Among other things, the bill would allow certified cardholders who verify they have debilitating medical conditions to grow marijuana plants. However, it would require them, when they are not at home, to keep the plants in a locked "room, greenhouse, garden or other enclosed area that is out of public view."
News Hawk: Warbux 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: Dispatch Politics
Author: Alan Johnson
Contact: ajohnson@dispatch.com
Copyright: 2010 The Columbus Dispatch
Website: Bill proposes legalizing medical marijuana | Columbus Dispatch Politics
The primary sponsor is Rep. Kenny Yuko, D-Richmond Heights, but there are five other sponsors. The Drug Policy Alliance in Ohio worked with Yuko in drafting the bill, which is similar to Senate Bill 343 from the last session but has significant changes, backers said.
Edward J. Orlett, a former state lawmaker who is Ohio representative for the California-based Drug Policy Alliance, said if the state doesn't pass the legislation, voters could take matters into their own hands. Michigan residents did that in passing a similar medical marijuana ballot issue in 2008.
Among other things, the bill would allow certified cardholders who verify they have debilitating medical conditions to grow marijuana plants. However, it would require them, when they are not at home, to keep the plants in a locked "room, greenhouse, garden or other enclosed area that is out of public view."
News Hawk: Warbux 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: Dispatch Politics
Author: Alan Johnson
Contact: ajohnson@dispatch.com
Copyright: 2010 The Columbus Dispatch
Website: Bill proposes legalizing medical marijuana | Columbus Dispatch Politics
