Columbus – The state Controlling Board is set to decide several funding and accounting moves to cover the costs of Ohios initial efforts to regulate medical marijuana use.
The Aug. 22 agenda includes four separate budgeting requests from three agencies.
The Office of Budget and Management is seeking the creation of a new fund, titled the Medical Marijuana Control Program Fund, to allow the Department of Commerce and Pharmacy Board to operate the program.
Under legislation passed by lawmakers and signed by Gov. John Kasich earlier this year, the commerce department is heading the licensing of medical marijuana cultivators, processors and testing labs, while the Pharmacy Board is handling the licensing of dispensaries and the registration of patients and caregivers, according to documents. The latter also will operate a new advisory committee, which will offer recommendations for the regulation of medical marijuana in the state.
The Controlling Board requests include a transfer of more than $1.8 million for the medical marijuana control program. The Department of Commerce has requested more than $923,000 for its work, including staffing (to initiate and enforce program rules and regulations), training, research and establishment of the required database.
The Pharmacy Board is seeking $882,400 for new staff and related systems systems.
Also Monday, the Pharmacy Board will seek an additional $700,902 to hire additional staff as part of its efforts to combat Ohios prescription opioid epidemic.
According to documents, Since 2010, the number of locations that store dangerous drugs licensed by the board has increased by more than 6,000 sites. The addition of these licensees has increased overall demand on staff to process, issue, investigate, hold administrative hearings and, in the case of locations, inspect facilities that store controlled substances, including opioids.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Controlling Board To Tackle Medical Marijuana Efforts
Author: Marc Kovac
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Website: The Crescent-News
