Pubdate: Fri, 03 May 2013
Source: Columbus Dispatch (OH)
Copyright: 2013 The Columbus Dispatch
Contact:  http://www.dispatch.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/93
Author: Jim Siegel
Page: 23

PROPOSALS WOULD LEGALIZE MARIJUANA IN OHIO

As poll numbers show Ohioans are growing increasingly comfortable with
the idea of marijuana use, a Youngstown Democrat wants to give people
the chance to make the drug fully legal in Ohio.

Rep. Robert F. Hagan has made a few attempts over the years to
persuade his colleagues to allow for the use of medical marijuana in
Ohio, and each effort has died a quiet death.

A spokesman for Speaker William G. Batchelder, R-Medina, declined to
comment on the pair of proposals Hagan introduced yesterday.

One is a bill that would allow patients with certain chronic
conditions such as cancer or sickle-cell anemia to use marijuana for
treatment. Eighteen other states have approved similar measures.

"In addition to the studies that show marijuana to be a valuable
treatment option for chronic pain, nausea and seizure disorders, I
have heard countless stories of how cannabis has made a difference in
the lives of people who are sick or dying," Hagan said.

His other proposal, modeled after an amendment recently passed in
Colorado, would ask voters to approve allowing people 21 or older to
purchase and use marijuana. The drug could be sold only by
state-licensed establishments and would be subject to a 15 percent
excise tax.

"With billions upon billions spent on the war on drugs with little
progress to show for it, it is time for more-sensible drug policy in
this country," Hagan said, arguing that the revenue could help restore
cuts to education and local governments.

It takes a three-fifths vote for the legislature to put an issue on
the ballot.

A recent Saperstein Associates poll of more than 1,000 Ohioans for The
Dispatch found that legalizing medical marijuana was overwhelmingly
favored, 63 percent to 37 percent, but making pot completely legal was
opposed by a 21-point margin.

Martin D. Saperstein, head of the Columbus polling firm, noted that
surveys in other states are finding growing acceptance of legalizing
marijuana, especially if it would be regulated and taxed.

The Ohio Ballot Board last year approved language for two
medical-marijuana issues, though neither appears likely to collect the
385,000 signatures needed to qualify for the November ballot. One
group has reorganized, calling itself OhioRights.org, and plans to
submit a new petition that will include legalized growing of hemp, a
plant related to marijuana.
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MAP posted-by: Matt