Despite legalization, Trumbull workers cannot use marijuana

Trumbull County commissioners went on record Wednesday acknowledging that Ohio’s medical marijuana law takes effect today but clarified that county employees may not use the drug in any form.

The county’s policy on the drug has not changed, and commissioners voted 3-0 to continue to outlaw marijuana use among employees.

“The use of marijuana in any form, with or without a prescription, will be treated the same as the use of all other Schedule I controlled substances or illegal drugs,” the new section of county policy states.

Commissioner Mauro Cantalamessa said the county’s medical-marijuana policy is likely to remain in effect until the state legislature clarifies how it can be regulated in the workplace.

State rules for producing, prescribing and distributing cannabis to patients are expected to take up to a year wto craft.

To allow its use now could cause the county increased problems with liability, Cantalamessa said, despite the positive effects medical marijuana is said to produce.

“I believe our first and primary function is fiscal responsibility and prudence when it comes to taxpayer dollars,” Cantalamessa said of the three county commissioners.

Read more about the matter in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.