Ohio To Determine Fate of Medical Marijuana Legalization

The legalization of medical marijuana is moving forward in Ohio, as state lawmakers are expected to reveal a new bill.

House leaders met Wednesday to discuss the findings of a legislative task force that’s been examining the pros and cons of legalizing medical marijuana in the state.

A key issue still at hand is whether to allow cannabis to be prescribed in smokable form. CEO of Muskingum Behavioral Health, Steve Carrel, said this proposed amendment has already been approved by the Attorney General’s Office.

“There is no other medication that we use that is smoked, it is all in other forms, smoking is not a safe method of administration of a drug,” Carrel said.

As lawmakers move forward with potential legislation, it’s likely Ohioans will see a measure on the ballot come fall. Carrel said if it passes, medical marijuana will be difficult to regulate effectively.

“There are supply chain issues, how is it going to be regulated as far as getting it from the growers to the dispensaries, how are we going to make sure that young people don’t get it because you have to be over the age of 18,” Carrel said.

Medical marijuana is currently legal in 23 states and Washington D.C.