Ohio lawmakers want to add conditions eligible for medical marijuana, increase dispensaries

Ohio lawmakers are renewing a push to overhaul the medical cannabis program ahead of a potential ballot question on recreational marijuana later this year.

Sens. Steve Huffman, R-Tipp City, and Kirk Schuring, R-Canton, introduced legislation this week that would revamp the program after a similar bill stalled in the previous General Assembly. Senate Bill 9 would allow doctors to recommend cannabis for any debilitating condition, increase the number of dispensaries and let growers expand their facilities.

Under the proposal, oversight of the program would fall to the Department of Commerce. It’s currently managed by three different state agencies, which many in the cannabis industry say is overly burdensome.

The bill also:

• Creates a commission within Commerce to regulate the program that includes physicians, employers, law enforcement, addiction specialists and representatives for patients. The 13 members would be appointed by the governor and House and Senate leaders.
• Allows patients with out-of-state medical marijuana cards to get cannabis in Ohio, provided they register with a state database.
• Lets dispensaries advertise on social media without prior approval.
• Allows dispensaries to offer a drive-thru or curbside pickup.
• Prohibits dispensaries from being located within a mile of each other.

[Read more at The Columbus Dispatch]