Ohio General Assembly to explore medical marijuana legalization

State lawmakers are exploring the possibility of allowing the use of marijuana in Ohio for medical purposes only (Source: “Ohio lawmakers look into medical use of pot,” Toledo Blade, Jan. 11, 2016).

Speaker of the Ohio House Clifford A. Rosenberger (R-Clarksville) and State Rep. Kirk Schuring (R-Canton) held a press conference yesterday to announce details regarding the creation of a bipartisan task force charged with addressing the issue of medical marijuana. The task force is expected to host a series of  hearings across the state to gauge Ohioans’ feelings on what that system might look like. Absent from those discussions, though, will be the idea of legalizing pot for recreational purposes or the wholesale and retail infrastructures that were blamed for the failure of Issue 3 on Nov. 3.

Sen. David Burke, R-Marysville, Ohio, does not support marijuana use, but said he would prefer that the the General Assembly explore the issue  and potentially take action, rather that have the state Constitution amended as it was for casino gambling.

“There is more support among Ohioans for medical marijuana than there has been in the past,” said Sen. Burke, who is taking a lead on the issue in the Senate. “I believe it is prudent that the General Assembly function as it should and reflect the will of our constituents.”