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Marijuana Regulation Proposal Scrapped Over Pharmacy Board Concerns
By: Associated Press
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – A legislative proposal to regulate medical marijuana through Ohio’s pharmacy board is being scrapped over concerns the rare setup nationally would create an undue burden on the state.
Sen. David Burke, a pharmacist behind the idea, called the arrangement the most responsible way to oversee marijuana as medicine. He said Wednesday changes were needed to strike a workable compromise.
Sen. Bill Coley chairs the committee considering Ohio’s fast-tracked medical marijuana bill. Coley says the new plan requires pharmacists at dispensaries, but leaves doctors under the medical board and places cultivation and processing under the state Commerce Department.
The National Association of State Boards of Pharmacy says only Connecticut and Louisiana regulate medical marijuana through their pharmacy boards. Most states establish control commissions that distance federally-licensed doctors and pharmacies from distribution.