A Michigan medical-marijuana ballot initiative is being watched closely by advocates in neighboring Ohio, who may press a similar initiative, the Columbus Dispatch reported Aug. 18.

The Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care is trying to gather more than 500,000 petition signatures to get a medical-marijuana question on the November 2008 ballot. The measure has won the endorsement of the Michigan Democratic Party.

Edward Orlett, a former state lawmaker representing the Drug Policy Alliance of Ohio, said the fate of the Michigan bill could determine what happens next in Ohio. "Ohio would be a state worth considering, certainly a high priority. It would be a question of timing," said Orlett.

Peter Lewis, president of the Progressive insurance company and a major funder of drug-policy reform, is an Ohio resident, and his company is based in Cleveland.