Medical marijuana could become a reality in Ohio. Lawmakers are considering a bill that would make it legal for doctors to prescribe marijuana to certain patients.
State Representative Robert Hagan sponsored the proposal saying Ohio could benefit from a 15-percent excise tax on marijuana.
Hagan says that money could help restore cuts to public education and local government.
The Youngstown Democrat modeled his ballot proposal on Colorado’s recently passed Amendment 64 that will allow adults 21 and older to legally purchase, cultivate and use recreational cannabis.
Sales establishments would be licensed and registered with the state.
Hagan also reintroduced legislation decriminalizing marijuana for medical use.
The measure joins two similar proposals that have been certified for the statewide ballot but lack the signatures to proceed.
Hagan’s bills lack support from majority Republicans.
Ohio Lawmakers Consider Medical Marijuana Bill