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CLEVELAND (AP) — Officials say a new marijuana advocacy group will build a $24 million research facility in central Ohio and offer medical marijuana insurance if voters pass a constitutional amendment legalizing pot.
The International Cannabinoid Institute plans to rent land from pro-marijuana investors in Licking County if ResponsibleOhio's measure gets the green light Nov. 3, The Northeast Ohio Media Group (http://bit.ly/1FUTuTi) reported.
Known as Issue 3, the measure aims to legalize both recreational and medical marijuana sales and use in Ohio. Commercial growing is limited to 10 sites outlined in the legislation's proposal.
Institute founder Garrett Greenlee said he initially had reservations regarding ResponsibleOhio's plans, but after consulting with attorneys he recognized that Issue 3 allows for "one or more structures" on the specified parcels of land.
Greenlee said Issue 3's language adds an extra layer of protection that other states do not.
The nonprofit institute plans to grow marijuana to research its capabilities in treating childhood epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder and other illnesses at a 15-acre facility.
Medical marijuana insurance would be offered to patients that cannot cover costs through the use of tax revenue from retail sales.
Dr. Suresh Gupta, a Dayton physician, and business partner Alan Mooney will lease the land to the institute.
Mooney said most of their 35-acre site will be dedicated to medical marijuana, with several coexisting growing and research operations. He said he's received upward of 300 proposals to rent land on his site.
"Underground growers have approached me and they are interested in becoming legal taxpaying citizens above ground and practicing their art above ground," Mooney said.
Greenlee said if Issue 3 fails, the institute might consider moving its flagship location to another state while continuing support of other legalization measures in Ohio.
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Information from: Northeast Ohio Media Group, http://www.cleveland.com
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