Farm Bureau shows interest in medical marijuana

By Marc Kovac | December 8, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

COLUMBUS

The state’s largest agricultural advocacy group has voiced its interest in lawmakers’ consideration of legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes.

Ohio Farm Bureau Federation members remain opposed to the recreational use of the drug, but during their annual meeting in Columbus last week, they outlined principles to consider as medical marijuana discussions proceed.

“We oppose the cultivation and sale of marijuana in the state of Ohio for recreational use,” according to group’s policy statement on the issue. “The following principles and considerations must be addressed as part of any legalization of marijuana in the state of Ohio: funding for addiction/treatment programs, tax structure, exclusion from the constitution, no monopoly structure, use of sound science and research, a strong regulatory system, federal reclassification, workplace regulation, grow sites and appropriate access.”

Marijuana legalization was one of the issues considered as part of bureau’s annual policy adoption process, which this year involved participation from close to 350 delegates representing all 88 Ohio counties.

The group continues to back a statewide bond issue to cover water-quality improvement projects, among other issues.

The policy on marijuana came days after Republican House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger, R-Clarksville, told reporters his chamber was considering launching a task force as part of its deliberations on legalizing the drug for medicinal purposes.

Joe Cornely, farm bureau spokesman, said in an email the group intends “to be part of the discussions at the Statehouse.”

He added, “Our members know the conversation about marijuana policy is only just beginning and that they want their organization to be engaged in the discussion. While we’ve identified some key parts of the discussion, we’re also going to listen to other views.”

Last month, voters rejected ResponsibleOhio’s proposed constitutional amendment to legalize and regulate marijuana for medical and personal uses.

Backers of the issue say they’re regrouping and will have a new ballot measure for voters in 2016.

The farm bureau was among the groups that opposed Issue 3.