SIDNEY — Shelby County Sheriff John Lenhart has been appointed to a statewide committee dealing with Ohio’s new medical marijuana program.

On Sept. 24, Ohio Gov. John Kasich appointed members to the 14 member Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee. The 14-member committee will advise three state agencies writing the rules and regulations for Ohio’s new medical marijuana program.

Lenhart was appointed to the advisory board by Ohio Speaker of the House President Keith Faber on Sept. 26. Lenhart will serve as the law enforcement representative to the advisory board.

“I am humbled and honored to be appointed to represent Law Enforcement on the Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee, said Lenhart. “I believe with my agricultural and law enforcement background I can bring knowledge and experience to the committee.

“I look forward to serving and representing our County at the State level and I thank President Faber for the confidence and appointment to this committee,” he said.

The committee will also include two pharmacists, two physicians, a nurse, and members who will represent employers, labor, mental health treatment, caregivers, patients, agriculture, the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction and a person who engages in academic research.

The governor will appoint the physician and pharmacist members along with the members who represent employers, agriculture, academic research and persons involved in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. The Senate president will appoint the member representing local law enforcement and the member representing caregivers, while the Senate Minority Leader appoints the member who is a nurse. The Speaker of the House of Representatives appoints the member representing patients and the member who represents persons involved in mental health treatment. The House Minority Leader appoints the member representing labor.