Court to review Ohio attorneys’ help to marijuana businesses

COLUMBUS (AP) — The Ohio Supreme Court is looking to clarify the services attorneys can provide to clients seeking to comply with the state’s new medical marijuana law.

The move comes after the court’s Board of Professional Conduct had said attorneys can’t ethically provide legal services to people setting up medical marijuana-related business because of federal prohibitions on the drug. Using, growing and selling marijuana remains a federal crime.

Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor said today the board’s nonbinding advisory opinion has caused some lawyers to question whether they can help clients follow the new law. She said the court hopes to address their concerns and, if necessary, amend ethics rules to clarify the role of attorneys.

She said the court would consider proposed amendments to its professional conduct rules later this month.