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Ohio House Panel Wraps Up Marijuana Discussion
By: Associated Press
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – An Ohio House panel contemplating ways to legalize medical marijuana is wrapping up its business with a marathon session.
Rep. Kirk Schuring is the Canton Republican who chairs the task force. He says 40 witnesses are scheduled and testimony could extend up to 10 hours.
The group was created after Ohio voters overwhelmingly defeated a sweeping ballot measure last fall that would’ve legalized cannabis for personal and medical use. Surveys at the time made clear most Ohioans favor medical marijuana.
Schuring says he’ll meet with House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger next week and a proposed bill could come soon.
The Ohio Ballot Board meets Thursday to decide whether a 2016 medical-marijuana ballot issue backed by the national Marijuana Policy Project is one issue or two. Board clearance allows signature-gathering to begin.