Ohio: DeWine Rejects Medical Marijuana Proposal

Robert Celt

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A medical marijuana ballot proposal aiming for the November election was dealt a setback Friday when Attorney General Mike DeWine rejected the petition.

The Marijuana Policy Project, based in Washington, D.C., submitted its petition March 3. The group would have to gather 305,291 signatures of registered voters to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot this fall. The national organization is working through an Ohio affiliate, Ohioans for Medical Marijuana.

After examining the wording of the proposal, DeWine rejected it because of three errors, including a confusion about the number of medical marijuana cultivation facilities. He also found fault with a provision that would prevent marijuana users from being penalized for "operating a motor vehicle, aircraft, train, or motorboat while impaired by marijuana." There was also a mistake about the date for obtaining a valid medical marijuana registration card.

Marijuana Policy Project officials estimated about 215,000 Ohioans with qualifying medical conditions could get marijuana in 2018 if the issue is approved by voters. A new state government agency would issue identification cards for people with qualifying ailments and licenses to businesses to grow, process and sell medical marijuana to patients. Qualified individuals could also grow up to six plants at home.

Ohio would be the 24th state to permit medical marijuana.

Last fall, Ohioans soundly defeated ResponsibleOhio's for-profit plan to legalize marijuana for both recreational and medical purposes.

DeWine's rejection letter and the text of the proposed amendment is online at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/BallotInitiatives.

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News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Ohio: DeWine Rejects Medical Marijuana Proposal
Author: Alan Johnson
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Website: The Columbus Dispatch
 
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