Entrepreneurs:
- No business will be allowed to operate within 500 feet of a school, public playground, church, public park or public library. Certain criminal convictions are disqualifying for people wanting to grow marijuana.
- The Board of Pharmacy will issue licenses to medical marijuana retail dispensaries.
- Medical marijuana will be regulated by the Ohio State Pharmacy Board, State Medical Board and Department of Commerce.
- Businesses seeking to cultivate, process or test cannabis must apply with the Ohio Department of Commerce.
- An advisory board of 14 people from relevant backgrounds will recommend rules to regulating agencies.
- Local governments can limit and ban cannabis companies doing business in their jurisdiction, but will miss out on the economic development benefits.
- Banks, attorneys and other professional servicers have âSafe Harborâ so they can provide services to businesses and individuals working or seeking to work in Ohioâs new cannabis industry, ensuring they can not be arrested for helping cannabis companies.
Doctors & Nurses:
- Doctors will be required to complete at least two hours of training on diagnosing and treating conditions with marijuana.
- Physicians who are certified by the Ohio State Medical Association must first obtain a certificate from the Medical Board before issuing recommendation for treatment to their patients.
- Physicians may be disqualified for certification if they have a financial stake in growing marijuana, have lost their license to practice medicine or have been convicted of certain crimes.
Employers & Employees:
- Current legislation allows for employee termination for marijuana use â even when it is recommended by a physician.
- People fired for medical cannabis use are not eligible for unemployment compensation.
- Ohio remains an at-will state.