After a series of debates and discussions, House lawmakers in Ohio passed a plan to legalize medical marijuana in the state. This is said to be a huge leap from a locality which has now shown interest to legalize cannabis than recreational drug.
According to Cincinnati.com, bill sponsor Rep. Stephen Huffman lauded the move saying this is the best thing for patients in Ohio. "I am absolutely convinced that there is therapeutic value in medical marijuana," Huffman said.
On the other hand, Rep. Dan Ramos believes that medical marijuana also serves as an alternative for people with chronic pain. The Lorain County representative explained that there were no marijuana overdose deaths but those linked with opiates rose to more than 2,000.
25th State To Legalize Medical Marijuana
Cleveland.com added that Ohio is now the 25th state in the country to legalize the medical marijuana. Physicians in the state can now recommend a type of marijuana depending on the use of the patient. Smoking of cannabis, however, will not be allowed.
Aside from the prescription, the state will also issue the licenses for the growing, testing, processing and selling of medical cannabis. Other important details, including the fees, will be decided by a control commission.
It is also stated in the bill that parents and caregivers of patients will not be held or jailed for possession. However, it was noted that companies can still maintain a drug-free workplace and those who will violate will not receive any compensation.
Patients In Dire Need
Rep. Tim Brown told Sentinel Tribune that people in the state have long wanted to legalize marijuana in Ohio which pushed them to carefully study the need for it. He noted that they heard a lot of stories of people who needed the intervention of medical cannabies and how dire their situations were.
Now that the plan for the bill has been approved, it will be sent to the Senate where some changes are expected to be made. Lawmakers are positive it will be passed as early as June.
