Debate Over Legalizing Medical Marijuana Heats Up In Ohio

During an interview with CNN, Ohio state Rep. Kenny Yuko said he favored legalizing medical marijuana in Ohio.

He cited its use to ease pain and nausea associated with all types of disease and illness. Yuko's comments are stirring a lot of debate in the Ohio Valley. Kevin Ensell, of Steubenville, Ohio, hopes legislators will approve the use of medical marijuana.

Walking isn't easy for Ensell. Doctors have already operated on his back two times. Titanium rods hold him together.

Ensell said, "There's all this constant pain, like someone's punching me in my back."

One thing that's helped ease his pain: marijuna.

Ensell said, "I did smoke pot and it did help me out. I feel if it was legalized it would help out, it would help out people."

Kathy Gibbons, of Mingo Junction, Ohio, sees the effects of suffering first-hand as a healthcare worker.

Gibbons said, "For people out on the street buying it and that, I don't agree with it. But for a medical purpose, yeah, I would say. I have dealt with clients in the past that have taken opium pills for cancer purposes, things like that, and it seemed to help them."

But all those first-hand experiences still won't get the backing of certain politicians, including Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland. Strickland wants to see more support from the medical community.

Strickland said, "I believe these kind of decisions should be driven by research and the medical community, those that have the greatest level of expertise. At this point, I'm not hearing strong support from the medical community that this is the most appropriate way to provide medical care."

During CNN's interview, Yuko was asked how the medical marijuana would be dispensed. He suggested through doctors and a mail-in prescription plan.