Pharmacy Dean Joins Marijuana Task Force

by Brenna Zuranski, Public Relations Writer – September 19, 2016

Sweeney joins OPA's Marijuana Task Force.

Cedarville University’s Marc Sweeney, Pharm.D., dean of the school of pharmacy, has been appointed to the Ohio Pharmacists Association (OPA) Medical Marijuana Task Force. His appointment takes effect immediately.

Gov. John Kasich signed the bill legalizing medical marijuana on June 8, 2016, and it went into effect on September 8, 2016. OPA’s task force will provide guidance in the dispensing of the drug in Ohio.

Last year, several OPA members and volunteers interacted with legislators in meetings and hearings around the state, providing individual perspectives on the medical marijuana legalization. At that time, then-OPA president Jeff Bartone instituted a special Medical Marijuana Task Force chaired by past OPA president Joe Sabino. The task force included pharmacists with varying opinions on the legitimacy of medical marijuana.

As a member of the OPA medical marijuana task force, Sweeney will lend his expertise as the OPA advocates for and works toward safe methods of dispensing medical marijuana in Ohio.

“I hope to be able to provide balanced and valuable information to the public through participating in a committee devoted to patient safety,” Sweeney stated. “I will be able to keep our students at the forefront of development of this important Ohio issue.”

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,711 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.