HB 214 Summary

• Establishes a medical cannabis program in Ohio allowing registered qualifying patients with debilitating medical conditions to possess up to 200 grams of usable cannabis and 12 mature cannabis plants.

• Creates registry identification card system administered by the Department of Health, with exemptions from criminal prosecution for cardholders, primary caregivers, practitioners, and persons assisting with medical cannabis use.

• Defines "debilitating medical condition" to include cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, ALS, Crohn's disease, Alzheimer's agitation, multiple sclerosis, spinal injuries, celiac disease, sickle cell anemia, and conditions producing cachexia, severe pain, severe nausea, seizures, or severe muscle spasms.

• Establishes the Medical Cannabis Advisory Council with four physicians and three registered qualifying patients to advise on petitions to add additional debilitating medical conditions.

• Modifies drug-related offenses in Chapter 2925 to exclude medical cannabis use by cardholders and creates defense for non-registered patients demonstrating medical necessity with practitioner certification.