State Representative Stephen Huffman of Tipp City spoke this week to the Troy Chamber of Commerce about the implications of medical marijuana and the way it will impact local businesses. In June, Governor Kasich signed a plan making Ohio the 25th state approving the use of marijuana in treatments prescribed by doctors. The new law is set to take effect in early September.

According to Huffman, House Bill 523 does not allow smoking or home cultivation of the drug but it does provide an alternative for those who cannot find other workable pain treatments. This bill was contrasted with ballot issue 3 presented statewide and voted down during the last election cycle. “It was clear that recreational marijuana was not going to be accepted in Ohio but we found that a majority of voters were not opposed to its use medicinally,” Huffman said.

Bill 523 does not give a monopoly to potential growers and 15 terms are spelled out for the administration of the drug. A control commission at the state level has also specified certain medical conditions that can be treated using marijuana. Among those cited by Huffman were seizures, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathy.

In addition to the limitations on its usage, each local municipality has the capacity to vote for or against the growing and distribution of medical marijuana in their city. Differences in state laws, however, prevent any form of the drug to be transported across state lines. “Any marijuana used for medical purposes in the state of Ohio has to be grown in Ohio,” Huffman said.

A drawback to the passing of the bill was the absence of FDA approval. Huffman said one of the primary reasons that approval has not been passed by the federal government for medical marijuana is that it is still classified as a schedule one drug. High potential for abuse has constrained other applications of the substance. Research and availability of the drug to the medical community have been limited because of federal regulations. Huffman says that he expects this to change in the next couple years.

Local business owners at the Troy Chamber of Commerce were interested in how this new law could impact on their standards for employees. Huffman was quick to affirm that businesses would still have rights in upholding company policies. “Even if an employee has a medical condition, if it is in your policy as a business to have a drug free workplace and they test positive, you can terminate their employment with cause,” Huffman said.

Small business owner, Debbie Char who owns the Troy Bulk Barn said that drug testing is expensive and not feasible for her. She questioned the confidentiality of the use of marijuana and if she would be allowed to verbally request that information. Huffman did not have a response on how the law would deal with those circumstances but said he would look into it. He admitted that there are many implications that have yet to be addressed. “As decisions are being made, I think we will be working to stay conscientious of all the effects and respond accordingly,” Huffman said.