Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

John Kasich legalizes Ohio medical marijuana

From 6 September, cannabis edibles, oils and vaporizers are approved - but recreational use and smoking the drug are still banned

 

Rachael Revesz
New York
Thursday 09 June 2016 09:39 EDT
Comments
From 6 September, people in Ohio can travel out of state to buy the drug
From 6 September, people in Ohio can travel out of state to buy the drug (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Ohio has become the 25th US state to approve medical marijuana after a bill to legalize the drug was signed by governor John Kasich.

The bill landed on the governor’s desk in May after it was approved by lawmakers, according to Cincinnati.com.

The former presidential candidate will allow patients to ingest the drug - but not to smoke it - with a doctor’s referral from September.

Medical marijuana is used to treat epilepsy, chronic pain and the side effects of cancer treatment.

Mr Kasich had previously remained quiet on the subject of medical marijuana, only saying that he would follow doctors’ recommendations and that he wanted to treat children in pain.

Although the bill comes into effect in three months, it will take longer for rules to be set for marijuana growers and dispensaries.

From 6 September, patients will be able to purchase medical marijuana from other states where it is legal and bring it back to Ohio.

For the next eight months, the Department of Commerce will create rules for those who grow the drug. Cultivators must then start growing marijuana.

Doctors will also have to apply to the state medical board for a certificate to recommend the drug to patients.

Earlier this month, a Colorado school district allowed pupils to receive doses of medical marijuana on school grounds. Also in Colorado, lawmakers decided to use $1.5 worth of cannabis revenue tax to help the homeless.

Congress recently voted to allow doctors from the Veterans Health Administration to administer the drug to patients in states where it is legal.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in