Ohio Senate OKs medical marijuana, sends bill to Kasich

The Ohio Senate yesterday passed a medical marijuana bill by just three votes, sending the legislation to Gov. Kasich for final approval (Source: “Medical marijuana plan heads to Gov. Kasich,” Newark Advocate, May 26, 2016).

If Kasich signs the legislation, Ohio would become the 25th state to legalize medical marijuana.

While legalizing medical marijuana, the bill prohibits smoking and growing marijuana at home. Kasich hasn't said whether he'll support this plan, but has expressed interest in passing some sort of bill related to medical marijuana, especially targeting children suffering from epilepsy.

"All I can do is my best to keep drugs out of the Ohio Constitution," said Sen. Dave Burke, R-Marysville, referring to a proposed Ohio constitutional amendment that may be put before voters in November. He and Sen. Kenny Yuko, D-Richmond Heights, held town hall meetings across the state to listen to residents' concerns about medical marijuana.

"This bill is not perfect, folks, but it’s what Ohio patients need," Yuko told colleagues Wednesday evening. “If we can give just one veteran comfort, if we can ease just one cancer patient’s pain, if we can save one child’s life, this bill will be worth it.”