BILL PROPOSES LEGALIZING MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Legislation to legalize dispensing, growing and using marijuana for
medical purposes has been introduced in the Ohio House. Passage is
unlikely, but if that happens, Ohio would become the 15th state to
make medical marijuana legal.

The primary sponsor is Rep. Kenny Yuko, D-Richmond Heights, but there
are five other sponsors. The Drug Policy Alliance in Ohio worked with
Yuko in drafting the bill, which is similar to Senate Bill 343 from
the last session but has significant changes, backers said.

Edward J. Orlett, a former state lawmaker who is Ohio representative
for the California-based Drug Policy Alliance, said if the state
doesn't pass the legislation, voters could take matters into their
own hands. Michigan residents did that in passing a similar medical
marijuana ballot issue in 2008.

Among other things, the bill would allow certified cardholders who
verify they have debilitating medical conditions to grow marijuana
plants. However, it would require them, when they are not at home, to
keep the plants in a locked "room, greenhouse, garden or other
enclosed area that is out of public view."