MANSFIELD — Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed a bill Wednesday making medical marijuana legal in Ohio. Despite the new law, local sentiments are mixed.
Dr. James Wolfe of MidOhio PainCare said he applauds the governor’s move to make medical marijuana legal. In fact, he intends to pursue authorization to prescribe medical marijuana.
“I am fully comfortable exploring the appropriate use of medical marijuana to develop a better understanding of the potential role of medical marijuana for chronic pain patients,” wrote Wolfe in an email.
“Further, I hope that this will begin a process of decriminalization of marijuana that takes it out of the hands of drug dealers and minimizes its use by drug dealers as a gateway drug that can lead to experimentation with other more life-threatening illicit drug use,” he added.
Wolfe’s office, on Trimble Road in Mansfield, specializes in interventional pain management. He is affiliated with OhioHealth MedCentral Hospital and has been on the medical staff since 1992.
According to the new law, medical marijuana will not be permitted to be smoked. It will be made available through certified dispensaries in edibles, vaporizers and oils. The Ohio State Medical Board will have authority to certify those interested in becoming dispensers and growers.
CACY Executive Director Tracee Anderson said although she commends the legislature for barring the smoking of medical marijuana, she is still concerned.
“As a prevention person, yeah, I’m concerned. Whenever there is a substance that’s harmful to children and the public, there is more difficulties that arise from it,” she said. “It poses threats to children.”
She also questions the drug’s medicinal abilities.
“All medica- based products ought to go through the FDA,” Anderson suggested.
According to FDA’s website, the agency has yet to approve botanical marijuana as a “safe and effective drug for any indication.” However, the agency has approved synthetic versions of a substance found in cannabis.
The FDA has also approved a drug that is derived from a compound found in marijuana, but not found naturally in the drug.
Medical marijuana may used to treat individuals suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.
Mansfield’s Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic offers help for veterans with specialized PTSD treatments. The clinic did not respond to multiple calls for comment on whether they will recognize medical marijuana as a treatment option for this story.
Richland Public Health’s commissioner said his organization does not have an opinion on the use of medical marijuana at this time.
The new law will take effect in early September. But it will be a while until medical marijuana becomes available in Ohio, some estimate as late as early 2018.
During the wait, here are some important aspects of the new law.
No smoking
Under the new law, medical marijuana will not be permitted to smoke — even if it is bought outside of the state. Dispensaries will have oils, vaporizers and edibles. And, of course, recreational use of marijuana is still illegal.
Qualifications
Medical marijuana in Ohio will be used to treat symptoms of AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy and other seizure disorders, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, hepatitis C, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, HIV, PTSD, sickle cell anemia, spinal cord disease or injury, Tourette’s syndrome, traumatic brain injury and ulcerative colitis.
Growing and recommending the marijuana
Use of homegrown marijuana will not be permitted under the new law. Those who want to grow medical marijuana commercially will need to apply to the Ohio Department of Commerce. Growers cannot grow marijuana within 500 feet of a church, school, public playground, park or library.
Physicians will need to be certified to recommend or prescribe medical marijuana through the Ohio State Medical Association. The doctors must attend at least two hours of training to be certified.
Workplace restrictions
Employers will be permitted to terminate positions if medical marijuana shows up on drug screens under the new law — even if the marijuana was recommended by a certified physician. Unemployment compensation will not be available for those fired for testing positive for the drug.
