Ohio Cannabis Reform in Focus

The year 2022 might see significant cannabis reforms in the state of Ohio, both to the existing medical marijuana regime as well as proposed legalization of adult-use marijuana. On Thursday, April 7, the Drug Enforcement and Policy Center and the Natural Therapies Education Foundation hosted two expert panels that focused on two possible routes to reform and the implications they may have for patients and Ohioans alike.

noon-1:10 p.m.

After three years of operation, the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program continues to grow and yet continues to be plagued by high levels of patient dissatisfaction due to access limits and high costs. The recent approval of dozens of new dispensary licenses comes as major reform bills have been introduced in the Ohio General Assembly with the aim of improving the Ohio MMCP's functionality for both patients and the cannabis industry. This panel of experts discussed on-going and proposed reforms, why they are needed and how they could impact the various stakeholders.

Panelists:
Ohio Senator Steven Huffman
Andrew Makoski, Senior Attorney, Ohio Department of Commerce Medical Marijuana Control Program
Tasha Rountree, medical marijuana caregiver in Ohio and patient in Michigan
Justin C. Sheridan, Director of Medical Marijuana Operations, State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy

Moderator:
Douglas Berman, Executive Director, Drug Enforcement and Policy Center

1:20-2:30 p.m.

The fall of 2021 was eventful when it comes to Ohio marijuana reform proposals. Two major bills were introduced in the Ohio General Assembly, and a voter-initiated statute campaign collected enough signatures to be sent to the General Assembly for considerations. Yet, despite polling suggesting public support for these kinds of reforms, the Ohio political leadership appears unlikely to advance adult-use legalization in 2022. Our panel of experts and policy advocates discussed the future of marijuana legalization in Ohio as a matter of politics and policy, including the arguments for and against reform and the possible consequences of action or inaction on the part of Ohio General Assembly.

Panelists:
Ohio Representative Ron Ferguson
Thomas Haren, Partner and Cannabis Practice Chair, Frantz Ward
Helen Mac Murray, Partner, Mac Murray & Shuster
Cat Packer, Former Executive Director, Department of Cannabis Regulation for the City of Los Angeles
Jodi Salvo, Director of Substance Use Prevention Services, OhioGuidestone

Moderator:
Benton Bodamer, Member, Dickinson Wright