Pubdate: Fri, 10 Jun 2016
Source: News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Copyright: 2016 The Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.news-herald.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/305
Author: Ann Sanner, the Associated Press

HOW MEDICAL MARIJUANA WILL WORK IN OHIO

COLUMBUS (AP) - Republican Gov. John Kasich signed a bill Wednesday 
legalizing medical marijuana in Ohio, though patients shouldn't 
expect to get it from dispensaries here anytime soon.

The bill lays out a number of steps that must happen first to set up 
the state's medical marijuana program, which is expected to be fully 
operational in about two years. The law would allow patients to use 
marijuana in vapor form for certain chronic health conditions, but 
bar them from smoking it or growing it at home.

Kasich's signature made Ohio the 25th state to legalize a 
comprehensive medical marijuana program, according to a count by the 
National Conference of State Legislatures.

Some questions and answers about the legislation:

Q a

What changes would be in place first?

When the law takes effect in 90 days, cities and towns could move to 
ban dispensaries or limit the number of them. The bill lays out a 
number of steps that must happen first to set up the state's medical 
marijuana program, which is expected to be fully operational in about 
two years. Licensed cultivators, processors, dispensaries and testing 
laboratories could not be within 500-feet of schools, churches, 
public libraries, playgrounds or parks. Employers could continue to 
enforce drugtesting policies and maintain drug-free workplaces. Banks 
that provide services to marijuana-related entities would be 
protected from criminal prosecution.

Q a

How will fall ballot proposals be affected?

One group already has ended its effort to put a medical marijuana 
issue on the November ballot after the passage of the bill. The 
Ohioans for Medical Marijuana campaign initially said the legislation 
would bolster its initiative. But the group, backed by the nationally 
active Marijuana Policy Project, later called the bill "a step 
forward," and ended its campaign. Several others were cleared to 
collect signatures for medical marijuana ballot proposals, but their 
initiatives have lacked steam. One such campaign, Legalize Ohio 2016, 
had trouble fundraising and put its effort on hold earlier this year.

Q

Who recommends the rules for the medical marijuana program?

a

A newly created Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee will help 
develop regulations and make recommendations. The governor and 
legislative leaders must appoint people to the 14-member panel no 
later than 30 days after the bill's effective date. Its members will 
represent employers, labor, local law enforcement, caregivers, 
patients, agriculture, people involved in mental health treatment and 
people involved in the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction. 
Others include a nurse, academic researcher, two practicing 
pharmacists and two practicing physicians. No more than six members 
can be of the same political party. The bill dissolves the committee 
after five years and 30 days.

Q

How long will it take for rules to be adopted?

a

No longer than one year after the bill's effective date. Rules for 
the licensing of cultivators must happen a few months earlier. The 
legislation specifies that the medical marijuana program is to be 
fully operational within two years of the bill.

Q a

Who will regulate the program?

The Ohio Department of Commerce, State Medical Board and Board of 
Pharmacy will all play a role. The Commerce Department will oversee 
licensing of marijuana cultivators, processors and testing labs. The 
Pharmacy Board will license dispensaries and register patients and 
their caregivers, and set up a hotline to take questions from 
patients and caregivers. The Medical Board would issue certificates 
to physicians seeking to recommend treatment with medical marijuana.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom