PROPOSAL TO LEGALIZE MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN STATE SENATE

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

Sen. Tom Roberts, D-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 May 21.

"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.

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.

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, R-Ashland, said no members of his
caucus have voiced support for legalizing medical marijuana to him to date.

"I respect people that have pain and am concerned about that," he
said. "But I think we have lots and lots and lots of different types
of medicine to address that.

"And I've watched the circumstances in California where they have
that in law, and I've observed the media covering where they are
dispersing that type of marijuana through vending machines," he said.
"I really would be concerned (about) the impact that would have on society."

But supporters believe the legislation would help people like Tonya
Davis, a 45-year-old from Roberts' district who spoke during the May
21 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.

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