OHIO LAWMAKER PROPOSES MEDICAL USE OF MARIJUANA

COLUMBUS -- Ohioans who use marijuana for medical reasons would not
face arrest or prosecution, under legislation to be introduced by one
state lawmaker this week.

Sen. Tom Roberts, a Democrat from Dayton, announced his intentions to
offer the Ohio Medical Compassion Act, creating a regulated system
for the medicinal use of cannabis.

A dozen other states already have adopted comparable protections for
their citizens, Roberts told reporters during a press conference Wednesday.

"It is time for Ohio to join these states on the forefront of
emerging medical breakthroughs and scientific advances," he said.

The legislation would establish a card-holder system, through which
eligible residents could register, then legally grow and use
medicinal marijuana for specified medical issues, including treating
pain, nausea and other symptoms of different diseases.

The Ohio Department of Health would administer the registration and
create a confidential database of card-holders that could be accessed
by law enforcement "before an arrest, raid or any other action is
implemented," Roberts said.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture would be charged with providing
guidance on safe and efficient cannabis cultivation.

No one younger than 21 would be eligible to register for the
marijuana use cards, and cannabis use would be prohibited when
operating a motor vehicle or in public places, among other provisions.

Supporters believe the legislation would help people like Tonya
Davis, a 45-year-old from Roberts' district who spoke during
Wednesday's press conference. The wheelchair-bound woman suffers from
multiple medical conditions.

"Medical cannabis has literally saved my life, I believe," she said.
"... This is a compassionate issue. It is a just issue. And I deserve
to have a choice on what I put in my body."

She added, "We're not trying to get high."

It is unlikely, however, that the bill will see any movement through
the legislative process before the summer, nor possibly before the
Republican-led chambers end the session.

Senate President Bill Harris, a Republican from Ashland, said no
members of his caucus have voiced support for legalizing medical
marijuana to him to date.