Troy, Ohio – Medical marijuana is now legal in Ohio, but a number of local cities are saying not so fast.
The city of Troy is the latest to hold a public hearing on the issue.
Monday night residents on both sides came out to get their voices heard. One woman claimed marijuana is a gateway drug and the city should ban it. Two other women, disagreed and said it’s a medical necessity.
“Every day is a struggle for me to simply get out of bed. A shower is a painful experience and often requires a nap after,” said Aimee Shannon, Troy resident.
The 45-year-old says she’s been in physical pain since she was 7 and has been prescribed Oxycontin, Vicodin and a Fentanyl patch. All of which she refuses to take because of how it makes her feel.
“I’ve been prescribed so many medications I have lost count and yet I continue to live in pain,” said Shannon.
She told the crowd access to medical marijuana in Troy is needed to help people suffering in the community like herself.
“I have no desire to get high, if I did I would take the 14 Vicodin I’m prescribed each day. I have no desire to be lazy. I frankly have the right to do so now, but I refuse,” said Shannon.
However, Mary Louise Boss disagrees. Boss believes access to marijuana will create problems and is a gateway drug.
“Do we really want to be a place that is safe, healthy, full of hope and healing? Or a place of easy access to something that’s not proven to be medicinally effective yet?,” she asked city council members.
Boss says she’s worried about the message dispensaries in town will send to children and how it will impact crime rates.
“Troy leaders hold a direct responsibilty for what they will bring into our surrounding neighborhoods through these marijuana dispensaries,” she said.
Shannon says the state passed it and now it’s Troy’s turn to make sure people like her get access to the medicine.
“Medical marijuana has been shown to be effective for many disorders and diseases. It helps with pain and nausea and conditions a lot of people struggle with. I think it’s something we need to have the opportunity to explore,” she said.
The city will hold a committee meeting next, but a date has not been set yet. 2 NEWS will keep you posted.
The highlights of how the marijuana retail dispensaries would work:
- The amendment will allow up to five pharmacies to dispense the drug and ban cultivation.
- It would prohibit a cultivator, processor, retail dispensary or laboratory from being located or relocating within 500 feet of a school, church, public library, public playground or public park, which is state law.
- The following business zones will allow the sale or dispensary of medical marijuana: within a B-1 (Local Retail District), B-2 (General Business District) or B-4 (Highway Service Business District) zoning district.
- It will not allow the sale in the down historical district
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Troy Residents Debate Medical Marijuana At City Hearing
Author: Maytal Levi
Contact: 937-424-1505
Photo Credit: Postmedia Network
Website: WDTN