Ohio Chapter American College of Surgeons Joins Coalition Opposing Marijuana Monopoly Ballot Issue

(Columbus, Ohio)  – The Ohio Chapter American College of Surgeons (OCACS) joins the growing coalition of healthcare associations and hospitals opposing Issue 3, the proposed marijuana monopoly amendment.

The OCACS believes that while some clinical research has shown the benefits of medical marijuana for certain specific medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, epilepsy, and cancer-related symptoms, the overall efficacy of marijuana on patient health remains unclear. The OCACS sees no healthy lifestyle benefit from using marijuana for recreational purposes. Surgeons of the OCACS oppose Issue 3 from the standpoint of healthcare providers committed to providing the best care and surgical outcomes for their patients.

Dr. Nancy Gantt, OCACS President and Professor of Surgery at Northeast Ohio Medical University, stated “Any use of marijuana could have detrimental effects on patients that need surgery.  The risk of anesthesia and post-operative complications is increased.”

Issue 3 dictates that the retail stores could sell recreational marijuana in the form of joints, sprays, ointments and edibles such as cookies, brownies, gummy bears and other candies. Issue 3 would also permit every Ohioan 21 years and older to grow pot at home and possess more than a half pound of recreational marijuana at all times. While the passage of the ballot initiative makes marijuana legally available to adults, it also makes it easily accessible to vulnerable children.

About The Ohio Chapter American College of Surgeons

The Ohio Chapter, American College of Surgeons is one of the largest statewide chapters of ACS in the country. With more than 800 members, the Ohio Chapter has positioned itself to be active in the legislative arena, focusing on issues that directly and exclusively impact its members and their patients.