As legislators take a closer look at medical marijuana, two statewide ballot initiatives to legalize medical marijuana were announced last week. The first is being pushed by a national group out of Washington, D.C. called the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP). The second is being sponsored by an Ohio group called Grassroots Ohio. Both ballot initiatives would place the right to medical marijuana in Ohio’s constitution, but are lacking in one key area—addressing concerns of the business community.

The MPP proposal would add 18 pages worth of text to the state constitution and create extensive regulations. The proposal would:

•Permit 15 large scale grow sites and unlimited smaller grow sites
•Allow individuals to grow up to six plants
•Require each seller in the distribution chain (from manufacturers to retailers) to obtain a license from the state
•Allow patients who have one of the “debilitating medical conditions” listed in the proposed amendment be able to receive a medical marijuana card. However, the Medical Marijuana Control Division created under the amendment would also be allowed to add additional conditions.

The Grassroots Ohio proposal is only one page and provides absolutely no regulatory framework. The proposal basically legalizes medical marijuana and permits farmers to grow industrial hemp. Details would be left to lawmakers. However, the group also plans to introduce an accompanying citizen-initiated statute that would regulate the industry.

Blatantly lacking in both proposals are any sufficient protections for businesses. The main concerns of the business community have been workplace safety, drug testing, and the ability to maintain a drug free workplace, along with potential workforce issues. Any proposals, whether coming from the legislature or ballot initiative, must be evaluated with businesses in mind. If medical marijuana and its regulatory framework are written into the Ohio Constitution, it will be extremely difficult to make changes and protect business interests as problems arise.

The Ohio House is examining the risks and benefits of medical marijuana through its own task force, which has already held four hearings. While much of the testimony thus far has been from advocates of medical marijuana, the task force needs to hear directly from businesses on the concerns and needed protections.

Please consider testifying at an upcoming meeting. Hearings will be held on March 10th at 7PM, March 17th at 3PM, and March 31st at 3PM, all at the Statehouse in Columbus. If you are interested in testifying, please email me.