COLUMBUS—Today, Senate Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni (D-Boardman) and Senator Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights) sent a letter to leaders of the Ohio General Assembly and statewide office holders, asking for a collaborative effort in crafting legislation that would legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes in Ohio.
The following is a copy of the letter, which was also sent to Governor Kasich, Auditor Yost, Secretary of State Husted, Attorney General Dewine, and all legislators in the Ohio General Assembly.
Dear President Faber and Speaker Rosenberger,
We write to invite you and all members of the Ohio General Assembly to join us in a discussion about medical marijuana with the goal of producing bipartisan legislation. Two facts emerged from this year’s election cycle: Ohioans strongly oppose monopolies in our Constitution, but they also overwhelmingly support access to marijuana for medical purposes.
In fact, there are few issues with as much statewide backing from across the political spectrum. An October 2015 Quinnipiac Poll showed Ohio voters overwhelmingly support medical marijuana by a remarkable 90% to 9%. Consequently, the rejection of Issue 3 should not be misinterpreted as an unwillingness to provide Ohio families access to additional treatment options.
Countless Ohioans have expressed an urgent need for access to the medical care now available to residents of 23 other states and the District of Columbia. It is our hope that we can all work together to enact laws that represent the will of the people. We have been drafting legislation based on best practices from other states and input from advocates that could serve as a starting point for discussions.
It is exciting to see recent news reports in which several state leaders voiced their willingness to work on this issue. As two supporters of medical marijuana, we are available and willing to collaborate with all stakeholders interested in this cause. Together, we can assist the many Ohio families who are searching for ways to alleviate the pain of chronic and debilitating diseases.
Sincerely,
Senator Joe Schiavoni Senator Kenny Yuko
Minority Leader 25th Senate District
33rd Senate District
of terms
