Lawmakers seek input on medical marijuana

2/11/2016

COLUMBUS — At least two Ohio lawmakers will be in Toledo today to lend an ear to the concept of legalizing marijuana for medical purposes only. Whether that leads to the introduction of a bill — let alone passage — remains a big question mark.

Sens. David Burke (R., Marysville) and Kenny Yuko (D., Richmond Heights) will make their third “listening tour” stop at 11 a.m. at the University of Toledo’s Scott Park Auditorium. The tour has already visited Cleveland and Cincinnati and plans a final hearing in Columbus.

Meanwhile, a separate, bipartisan House-appointed task force will hear testimony for the first time Tuesday at 3 p.m. at the Statehouse.

Polls have shown the idea of legal medical marijuana is highly popular among Ohioans, even as voters last fall soundly rejected a much broader constitutional amendment that would have legalized pot for recreational, medical, and commercial purposes.

Members of the public may participate in person or could submit written testimony via Burke@OhioSenate.gov and Yuko@OhioSenate.gov.