MEDICAL MARIJUANA ISSUE COULD BE ON '12 BALLOT

Group Submits Petitions To Legalize Marijuana

Kettering Woman Supports Constitutional Amendment

DAYTON - A group supporting legalization of medical marijuana in Ohio
has taken the first steps to place a Constitutional amendment on the
November 2012 ballot.

Supporters turned in 2,143 signatures on petitions containing summary
language of the proposed amendment to Ohio Attorney General Mike
DeWine, who has sent the signatures out to local boards of election to verify.

The group needs 1,000 signatures before DeWine will determine if the
summary is a fair and truthful statement. After that, it is forwarded
for review by the Ohio Ballot Board and to Ohio secretary of State
Jon Husted. The group would then need to gather at least 385,245
valid signatures on petitions to place the amendment on the ballot,
said Matt McClellan, press secretary for Husted.

"I'm totally opposed to that amendment," said Montgomery County
Sheriff Phil Plummer. "I think it would make too much marijuana
available to kids in the community."

He said it would create traffic problems because people high on
marijuana could be driving and causing accidents and it would be an
issue for employers, including him, who want drug-free employees.

"I think we have enough prescription drugs out there to handle the
(medical) problems. I'm worried about the use and availability of
this marijuana," Plummer said. "I think it would be just more
problems for us so I'm opposed to it."

At least a dozen states have legalized medical marijuana, but it
remains illegal under federal law and opponents question both the
medical value and the validity of the medical claims of those who
receive prescriptions.? An April study released by the Pew Research
Center found that 73 percent of Americans favor their state
permitting the sale and use of medical marijuana prescribed by a doctor.

"We're hoping the ballot will force our legislators to stand up and
do what's right," said Kettering resident Tonya Davis, 48, who was
one of four committee members in charge of petitions supporting
medical marijuana.

Davis, who suffers from a variety of physical ailments, said
marijuana brings her relief without the negative consequences of
narcotic pain relievers. She said people like her should be able to
legally grow, possess or obtain marijuana from a certified provider
if a medical professional prescribes it.

According to the group's summary of the amendment, qualifying
conditions would include glaucoma, post-traumatic stress disorder,
sickle cell anemia, Parkinson's disease or any condition that causes
symptoms such as chronic pain, severe muscle spasms or wasting
syndrome. Patients could possess up to 3.5 ounces of marijuana.

"I've got more things wrong (with me) than right," said Davis, who
said she suffers from scoliosis, thyroid disease, inflamed bowel
disease and other problems.

"Medical marijuana would be a lifesaver for me because (with) the
stronger pharmaceuticals I can't function: the spasms, the nausea and
all of that," Davis said. "I do not buy, sell or grow. I pray my
friends come through."

The proposed amendment is similar to a bill legalizing medical
marijuana proposed in April by state Reps. Kenny Yuko, D-Richmond
Heights, and Rep. Robert Hagan, D-Youngstown. The bill is being
reviewed by the House health and aging committee.