Chair Lipps, Vice Chair Holmes, Ranking Member Russo, and respected members of the Health Committee –
On Feb 4th, 2021, Representative Juanita Brent and Representative Bill Seitz produced HB60, legislation to add Autism as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis.
I am writing to you to voice my support for a YES vote to add Autism Spectrum Disorder as a qualifying condition in Ohio. As a constituent in your district, I feel compelled in voicing direct support of Representative Brent’s medical cannabis bill.
I believe there is strong and substantial scientific evidence that supports the use of medical cannabis as a safe viable treatment for autism spectrum disorder. There are several Ohio physicians and specialists who agree and have provided expert testimony on the matter.
Moreover, a bevy of states, including Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Texas and the territory of Puerto Rico have all permitted autism as a qualifying condition for their medical cannabis programs, pediatric patients included.
Other states such as California, Florida, Oklahoma, Oregon, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Washington DC all also recognize autism as a debilitating condition and allow doctors to recommend medical cannabis.
A vote against adding this condition would restrict patients in severe need from even discussing this option with their doctor. Please vote with a majority of the experts, and support the addition of autism as a qualifying condition. I urge you to consider the evidence and will of Ohioans to add Autism as a qualifying condition in Ohio.
Sincerely,
(your name/contact information)
Send to � rep12@ohiohouse.gov