Medical marijuana legislation faces uphill battle in Ohio

Even proponents of a potential bill to legalize marijuana use for medical purposes in Ohio are admitting that its strong opposition will be difficult to overcome (Source: "Medical marijuana a longshot for Ohio,” Toledo Blade, June 1, 2009).

Democratic State Rep. Kenny Yuko of Richmond Heights said he is working on drafting medical marijuana legislation that could be introduced in the fall. Although a recent Ohio Poll conducted by the University of Cincinnati found that 73 percent of Ohioans generally favor the concept, Yuko and other supporters are uncertain about the prospects of passing the legislation.

A bill proposed during the last General Assembly died after a single committee hearing. That bill would have allowed approved patients to keep 7 ounces of marijuana on hand. Proponents have indicated that the new bill likely would reduce the maximum amount of the drug that patients will be allowed to obtain, perhaps more in line with a ballot initiative that was approved in Michigan in November that allows approved patients to have 2.5 ounces.

Among those opposing the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes is the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association. "It's viewed as a controlled substance, and there must be a reason for that," said Association Executive Director John Murphy. "It's regarded as harmful and habit-forming, all the usual reasons. It should remain that way."

Yuko counters that, "People need to keep an open mind about it. We've reached a point in our lives where people can act responsibly with something that has a history of misuse."