It’s official – Ohio has now become the next legal medical state in America.
According to US News, Governor John Kasich made history by signing a bill last week that legalizes medical cannabis.
However, as exciting as this is, there may be a few hurdles to overcome before patients will actually be able to get their medicine from dispensaries. The new system is not expected to be fully operational until two years from now, and will only allow patients with chronic health conditions to vaporize.
As in other states, areas that choose to opt out will also have the option to ban dispensaries and medical cannabis locally. All cannabis-related facilities will need to be at least 500 feet from schools, public parks, or libraries, and employers can still fire employees for drug use, even if they are legally medicating.
A Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee will be put in place to enforce and make the new rules for the emerging industry. This 14-member panel will be made up of a diverse group of individuals, from cannabis workers and caregivers to law enforcement and those who represent alcohol and drug addiction groups. The panel will also be made up of those with varying political affiliations. The Department of Commerce will oversee licensing, processing, and testing, while the Pharmacy Board will be responsible for taking care of patient and caregiver relationships. Rules will be officially adopted one year after the bill’s passing, and a full system must be set up within two years.
This is certainly a huge step forward for the more conservative Ohio, but whether anything will happen with this law before two years is up, and how possible it will be for patients to get access to the medicine they need, remains to be seen. Still, those who have supported these interests and fought for equal rights are surely celebrating this major victory.
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