COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio legislators are promising to introduce a medical marijuana bill by the end of the week.

Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Task Force made the announcement today at the Ohio State House.

The bill will allow medical marijuana in edible, patch, plant and oil forms, but will allow individuals to grow for private use. Only licensed physicians will be authorized to prescribe medical marijuana and it must be obtained through authorized dispensaries.

Legislators say communities will have the authority to “opt-out” if they do not want dispensaries in their area. Work place protections will also be given to employers with drug screening programs.

Rep. Kirk Schuring hopes the bill will pass the Ohio House of Representatives by the end of April and the Ohio Senate by the end of May.

Schuring says once the bill is passed, approved patients in Ohio should have access to medical marijuana within two years.What others are clicking on: