State legislators weighing medical marijuana options

In the days following the defeat of Issue 3 -- a statewide ballot initiative that would have legalized marijuana for medical and recreational purposes -- state legislative leaders have indicated that they will begin exploring options for potential legalization of medical marijuana (Source: “House leaders to carefully explore medical marijuana,” Columbus Dispatch, Nov. 4, 2014). 

Ohio Speaker of the House Cliff Rosenberger, R-Clarksville, said the legislative plan is to engage the medical community, possibly including state funding for studies, and release a series of bills and resolutions in the coming weeks, with potential action next year. They will include a pilot program and urging Congress to drop marijuana to a lower drug classification.