By Randy Ludlow, The Columbus Dispatch, staff and wire reports
COLUMBUS – Governor John Kasich has signed legislation legalizing medical marijuana in Ohio, though patients shouldn’t expect to get it from dispensaries here anytime soon.
The second-term Republican had expressed support for the concept, but his office had not said whether he would sign the hard-won legislation until he studied its details. He signed the bill within a couple of hours of it landing on his desk.
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The bill passed the Republican-controlled General Assembly — by a 18-15 vote in the Senate and a 67-28 vote in the House — on May 25.
State Sen. Dave Burke, R-Marysville, a pharmacist who carried the bill, predicted that chosen growers could be cultivating marijuana in Ohio soil within a year, with marijuana products tested and available in 16 months.
However, some believe that time frame is optimistic. The law requires that medical marijuana be available within two years.
“This is a joyous day for the thousands of Ohioans who will finally be able to safely access much-needed medicine,” said Ohioans for Medical Marijuana spokesman Aaron Marshall, who referred to the law as “imperfect.”
The national group suspended its ballot initiative campaign last month when the bill was approved by lawmakers.
The law, which will take effect in 90 days, establishes what is touted as a “seed-to-sale” system for growing, testing and dispensing marijuana for 20 medical conditions, including chronic pain.
The measure lays out a number of steps that must happen first, including the writing of rules for retailers and cultivators.
The law prohibits the smoking of medical marijuana and home growing of pot, but permits vaping products, patches and certain edibles.
Employers could continue to maintain drug-free workplaces.
The National Conference of State Legislatures says Kasich’s signature makes Ohio the 25th state to legalize a comprehensive medical marijuana program.