Recently, Ohio Patient Network President, Robert Ryan, spoke at a local Democratic Club meeting about medical marijuana.  Ryan explained the history, including the racist undertones, associated with the prohibition of marijuana. He went into great detail on current medical marijuana efforts and proposed legislation. The session was followed by a Q & A session.  The democrat members asked a number of good questions.  One in particular was the role of drug testing by a construction manager.

Ryan's response was centered on abuse of any drug, including marijuana, is not conducive to a safe work environment.  Failing a drug test by consuming marijuana does not necessarily translate to a lack of coordination required in many professions.  Drug tests are not tests of intoxication.  Going further, he brought up basketball players and well-known skateboard athletes who use marijuana and are outstanding athletes.  The construction manager understood the difference.

At nearly the same time, Ethan Nadelmann, the Director of Drug Policy Alliance, was at a medical marjuana event where he said, "the tide has turned and the wind is at our backs."  Ryan felt the same way at the Democratic event.