Pubdate: Fri, 16 Jan 2015 Source: Columbus Dispatch (OH) Copyright: 2015 The Columbus Dispatch Contact: http://www.dispatch.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/93 Author: Alan Johnson POT BACKERS' PLAN INCLUDES SAFETY TESTS Backers of a prospective investment-based marijuana ballot issue said yesterday that they would set up five "testing centers" throughout Ohio to verify for consumers the chemical content of marijuana for sale for personal use. ResponsibleOhio said the testing program would end the uncertainty about dangerous drugs purchased on the black market. The centers tentatively would be established in Athens, Lorain, Mahoning, Scioto and Wood counties, according to a source familiar with the proposal. "We've heard too many stories of families who have lost children, siblings and loved ones because marijuana they purchased was laced with dangerous drugs like heroin or PCP," said ResponsibleOhio spokeswoman Lydia Bolander. "The consumer should be confident that they are buying marijuana that is safe because it has been tested, labeled and is being sold in sealed packaging." Jon Allison, representing the Drug Free Action Alliance, said of the testing commitment, "No amount of talk about drugtesting centers can mask the fact that ResponsibleOhio's No. 1 goal is to create constitutionally protected drug cartels. There isn't enough lipstick in Ohio to make this pig look pretty. Just ask the other Ohio groups pushing for marijuana legalization." The proposal would allow only 10 individuals or companies to grow marijuana. The testing sites would operate independently of growers and retailers, Bolander said. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom