NONORML

Ohio Medical Compassion Act(What is it?) If made into law would protect Ohios sick from arrest if they were under a doctors supervision and used marihuana as a medicine. This is the right thing to do. Allow my/your Doctor to decide what medicine's we need. The Bill lanuage has been written and in the hands of our Senator, who will be introducing it shortly. Ohio will set a standard for compassion and I truly believe if you stand up for your rights .. This can happen! Ohio Medical Compassion Act Defines the legitimate medical use of cannabis (aka marihuana) • Only a patient with a medical condition or illness that is sufficiently serious or debilitating, and who has the approval of his or her medical practitioner, will be able to use cannabis under the Ohio Medical Compassion Act (OMCA). Protects patients from arrest and allows law enforcement to easily identify legitimate patients • The OMCA creates a system requiring patients to register with the state, which allows the state to ensure that only patients with debilitating medical conditions who have their doctors’ recommendations receive legal protections. • Registered patients are issued ID cards from the state, which provides the patient with an easy way to prove to law enforcement officials that they are complying with the law via a confidential, blind system allows law enforcement to verify that the card is valid. Protects primary caregivers of patients from arrest and prison • Many patients are too ill to provide for their own medical use of cannabis (marihuana), so they need a caregiver to provide it for them. These caregivers are also protected from arrest and prison. Caregivers can also receive reimbursement for the costs associated with providing patients with their medicine. Provides patients a legal means of obtaining and using cannabis (marihuana) • Permits patients to cultivate their own cannabis. • Permits patients to possess paraphernalia for consuming. • Permits primary caregivers to cultivate cannabis on behalf of patients. • Permits patients or primary caregivers to purchase cannabis from the criminal market. Allows patients and primary caregivers who are arrested to discuss the cannabis medical use in court • The affirmative defense provisions serves as a safety net in case the patient is not registered, or is in process of registration or administration does not implement the registry ID system. • Affirmative defense is only applicable if a medical practitioner says the potential benefits of using cannabis would likely outweigh the health risks and the patient and caregiver do not possess more cannabis than is reasonably necessary. Establishes sensible restrictions on medical cannabis use • Limits the amount of cannabis patients and caregivers can possess to 200 grams and 12 mature plants. • Prohibits motorized vehicle operation if impaired. • Prohibits smoking of cannabis in public places. • Does not require employers to accommodate the medical use of cannabis in the workplace. Establishes government control mechanism • Includes oversight board in the Ohio Department of Health concerning possession limits and conditions. • Encourages Ohio Department of Agriculture to establish safe growing practices. Creates protections beyond arrest and prison for patients, caregivers, and physicians • Patients cannot be denied custody or visitation of a minor for acting in accordance with this act. • The OMCA exempts patients, primary caregivers, and physicians from state penalties and disciplinary action by a business or occupational or professional licensing board. • The OMCA protects patients’ right to live, work, and earn a living by providing that no school, employer, or landlord may refuse to enroll or employ or lease to, or otherwise penalize a person solely for his or her status as a registered qualifying patient or a registered primary caregiver. Does not require physicians to violate federal law in order for patients to legally use medical cannabis • Federal law prohibits doctors from prescribing marijuana, but doctors are permitted under federal law to evaluate the relative risks and benefits of the medical use of cannabis and recommend that a patient use it.