Supporters on Wednesday said the newest proposal to legalize medicinal marijuana would bebeneficial for Ohioans who suffer constant pain from illness and injury.
Details of the Ohio Medical Compassion Act were laid out during a news conference at the OhioStatehouse, 10TV's John Fortney reported.
According to the bill's supporters, the Ohio Medical Compassion Act takes bits of laws andprovisions from other states that have already passed legislation approving the medical use ofmarijuana.
Previous bills aimed at legalizing medicinal marijuana have been shot down by Ohio lawmakers,Fortney reported.
The newest proposal would essentially do three things, beginning with the regulation ofmedicinal marijuana use.
It would also set up a cardholder system to ensure the person using marijuana has the legalright to obtain it, Fortney reported.
Finally, the bill would create an advisory board run by the Ohio Department of Health and theOhio Department of Agriculture. Both departments would regulate use and handle applicationrenewals.
People who showed up at the Statehouse in support of the bill said it was about more than justgetting high.
"I'm a domestic violence survivor," said Tonya Davis. "I was beaten so badly that I havedomestic violence induced scoliosis and a crippling terminal disease."
Twelve other states, including California, have laws allowing the medical use of marijuana.
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