John Kasich legalizes Ohio medical marijuana

From 6 September, cannabis edibles, oils and vaporizers are approved - but recreational use and smoking the drug are still banned

From 6 September, people in Ohio can travel out of state to buy the drug (Getty Images)

Ohio has become the 25th US state to approve medical marijuana after a bill to legalize the drug was signed by governor John Kasich.

The bill landed on the governor’s desk in May after it was approved by lawmakers, according to Cincinnati.com.

The former presidential candidate will allow patients to ingest the drug - but not to smoke it - with a doctor’s referral from September.

Medical marijuana is used to treat epilepsy, chronic pain and the side effects of cancer treatment.

Mr Kasich had previously remained quiet on the subject of medical marijuana, only saying that he would follow doctors’ recommendations and that he wanted to treat children in pain.

Although the bill comes into effect in three months, it will take longer for rules to be set for marijuana growers and dispensaries.

From 6 September, patients will be able to purchase medical marijuana from other states where it is legal and bring it back to Ohio.

For the next eight months, the Department of Commerce will create rules for those who grow the drug. Cultivators must then start growing marijuana.

Doctors will also have to apply to the state medical board for a certificate to recommend the drug to patients.

Earlier this month, a Colorado school district allowed pupils to receive doses of medical marijuana on school grounds. Also in Colorado, lawmakers decided to use $1.5 worth of cannabis revenue tax to help the homeless.

Congress recently voted to allow doctors from the Veterans Health Administration to administer the drug to patients in states where it is legal.