City health board puts off taking stance on legalizing marijuana

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown Board of Health put off taking a stance on the state marijuana ballot issue, but is contemplating convening a special meeting in two weeks to learn more about the issue.

Board member Porfirio Esparra Jr. said he would like to be more informed on the issue, particularly as it pertains to the medical use of marijuana.

“Marijuana can already be prescribed by a physician for medical use,” said Erin Bishop, health commissioner, at Monday’s board meeting.

“I would like to see the regulations that says medicinal marijuana is legal,” Esparra said. Youngstown Mayor John A. McNally, chairman of the health board, suggested a special meeting to further discuss the issue.

State Issue 3, the Ohio Marijuana Legalization Initiative, is an initiated constitutional amendment on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.