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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom