Missouri has passed the legislation that allow for the use of medical marijuana, but with heavy restrictions. Ohio is expected to follow suit.

On a 91-59 vote, House of Representative gave preliminary approval to include in the ballot the question whether Missourians would allow growing and selling of medical marijuana for patients at the end of their lives.

The Missouri Compassionate Care Act allows only cancer patients in hospices to use medical marijuana. The Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control would oversee the cultivation and sale of the drug. Only 30 licenses each for medical marijuana cultivation centers and dispensaries would be issued by the agency.

Missouri residents are not permitted to grow the drug in their homes.

The legislation, House Bill 2213 (HB 2213), was an attempt to mimic what other states have done in permitting its citizens with epilepsy and autism to buy and use medical marijuana but it was watered down just so other members of the House would approve it.

The bill's sponsor, St. Clair Representative Dave Hinson admitted that the bill was heavily amended but still encouraged his colleagues to approve it and do something right for dying patients.

On the other hand, Kansas City Representative Jeremy LaFaver expressed dismay at the turnout of the measure.

"We had a bill six amendments ago that was barely palatable and now we've put this into a position where the only people that can get access to it are people that are ready to die," said LaFaver. "Not only are we going to say that these are the folks that only are on death's door, but then we are going to make a new class of felony for people that are about to die."

Some of the lawmakers were not happy with the restrictions but gained solace that the bill is moving forward.

Republican representative Kevin Engler said that these restrictions in the bill convinced him to approve the measure.

"By doing that, I think we have a chance of having some control over this situation," said Engler.

Representative Mike Colona acknowledged backing up the legislation is just appropriate even with the political risks involved. He added that the Senate can smooth the rough edges of the measure.

Those opposing the legislation reasoned that the limited licenses and financial restrictions trim down the potential individuals who can go into business and may eventually push drug prices up.

New Approach Missouri is presently collecting signatures to allow a question whether Missourians want to allow medical marijuana to be included in the November election ballot.

With the approval in the Missouri House, Ohio lawmakers are also pushing to legalize the use of medical marijuana.

Republican House members say that the bill has safety measures that make it better than what is included in the ballot initiative.

Canton Republican Representative Kirk Schuring acknowledges the growing clamor for medical marijuana.

"We want to make sure it's done right," Schuring said. He emphasized that the measure should have the necessary control around it to prevent abuse.

Representative Stephen Huffman introduced House Bill 523 (HB 523) that sets in motion the medical marijuana program in Ohio. The proposed bill includes provisions on cultivation, prescription, and sale of medical marijuana.

If approved, it will remove the law that prohibits possession and use of marijuana in Ohio.

Schuring hopes the House will approve it in two to three weeks' time.

Photo: Tanjila Ahmed | Flickr