Pubdate: Tue, 07 Jun 2016
Source: Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Copyright: 2016 Morning Journal
Contact:  http://www.morningjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3569

MEDICAL MARIJUANA HAS ARRIVED IN OHIO

Lawmakers weren't bluffing when they pledged they would consider 
medical marijuana after an outside group's effort to legalize pot 
failed last November.

Much of that push, of course, came from polls suggesting Ohioans 
favor medical marijuana, and from concerns that outsiders would again 
try for a more liberal marijuana law by amending the state constitution.

Not only did lawmakers carefully study the issue, they passed a bill 
that will become law if Gov. John Kasich signs it.

Kasich should. House Bill 523, while not perfect, is a conservative 
approach to allow those with legitimate medical conditions to have 
access to a drug that can benefit them when others don't.

The legislation won't appease all. Some people still believe 
marijuana should not be legalized in any shape or form...

Even if Kasich does sign HB 523, it will take time to set up the 
regulatory structure to guide medical marijuana. It will not be until 
2017 when the first pot prescriptions will be available...

Still, Ohio is better off with medical marijuana passed through 
legislation than by a constitutional amendment. Should the need 
arise, lawmakers can simply introduce a new bill. "Fixing" the 
constitution takes more time and would require going back to voters.

Like it or not, medical marijuana appears to have arrived...

Read the full editorial from the Findlay Courier at bit. ly/1Um6diE
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom