OHIO (WOWK) - It's been two years since medical marijuana became legal in Ohio and starting in December, Buckeye Botanicals LLC, will open its doors to patients. The dispensary is the only state approved vendor for medical marijuana sales for Jackson, Gallia, Scioto, and Lawrence Counties.
"But really it's another medicine that we're giving to patients that's going to make a difference in them - for them," Eric Ryant, owner of Buckeye Botanicals, said. "It's medication. It's a prescription that we're giving them. To me, I've seen the difference though the years being actively involved in the industry and I'm happy to help. Being an experienced business man and somebody that really has knowledge in the industry."
Under state law dispensaries can distribute edibles, oils, patches, and vaping concentrates, but smoking marijuana is still illegal. Ryant says there will be challenges but he's ready.
"This is a new industry. It's brand new for Ohio, they want to make sure it's regulated properly. I have a lot of experience in that and I understand what it takes," Ryant said.
There are almost two dozen qualifying medical conditions allowed by the state to be treated with marijuana and a petition to add new conditions is circulating now.
"The Green Party itself is a strong supporter of decriminalization and legalization of marijuana and has done so since the early 1990's, actually," Ohio Green Party Co-Chair, Nathan Lane, said. "Far ahead of the curve, before Ohio even began to consider adopting medical marijuana."
Lane says about the stigma about medical marijuana is declining, especially in small towns like those in Southern Ohio.
"People start seeing that the sky doesn't fall once you open the doors to regulated usage and consumption of marijuana whether it be for medical or recreational usage. People have become very warm to the concept," Lane said.
Jackson County Sheriff Tedd E. Frazier also wants to remind residents that public use and impaired driving are still against the law.
"We remind our residents that in Ohio, it is illegal to use medical marijuana in public. We also remind those with a medical marijuana prescription not to break the law. We encourage patients to learn the laws of use regarding their use of medical marijuana," Frazier said in a written statement. "Those who will be taking the product regularly and who drive, should remember to not operate a motor vehicle while under its influence. As a result, my deputies will have increased training on how to spot drugged-driving."
According to the state's website the following conditions are qualifying:
"Certified physicians may recommend medical marijuana only for the treatment of a qualifying medical condition. Under Ohio law, all of the following are qualifying medical conditions: AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy or another seizure disorder, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, hepatitis C, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, pain that is either chronic and severe or intractable, Parkinson’s disease, positive status for HIV, post-traumatic stress disorder, sickle cell anemia, spinal cord disease or injury, Tourette’s syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and ulcerative colitis."
https://www.wowktv.com/news/local-news/medical-marijuana-in-ohio-coming/1560610770#
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