Ohio legislators indicate new (serious?) interest in medical marijuana reform

I am pleased and intrigued to see from this local Ohio article reporting reactions to the overwhelming defeat of a controversial recreation marijuana reform ballot proposal that some important Ohio legislators are now talking about considering moving forward with medical marijuana reform in the state.  Here are the encouraging quotes for those interesting in medical marijuana reform in the Buckeye State:

Although Issue 3 was handily defeated, the debate and conversations about the issue have convinced House Speaker Cliff Rosenberg, R-Clarksville, and other state lawmakers who were staunchly opposed to legalization to now say it may be time to move ahead with medical marijuana.  “After going through this process, myself and many of my colleagues realize there’s tremendous support for medical marijuana and something we should have a bigger discussion about,” said Rep. Ryan Smith, R-Bidwell, a leader in the House.

That could be in the form of a pilot program or some other narrowly written legislation, Smith said. He noted that Rep. Wes Retherford, R-Hamilton, already has proposed a medical marijuana bill.  “In talking to people, it was surprising to me how many said they support medical marijuana,” Smith said.  “We obviously want to help the parents with children that are ill and the elderly that are suffering.  We just want to make sure the scientists tell us it will help and we write it in a responsible way.”