Oscar Robertson backs Ohio marijuana campaign

A group trying to legalize marijuana in Ohio announced Friday that University of Cincinnati great Oscar Robertson is a backer of their campaign.

ResponsibleOhio is a campaign fighting for the legalization of marijuana for medical and personal use.

Friday, the group announced the names of several well-known backers to the movement.

Individuals with Cincinnati ties included UC-legend Oscar Robertson, prominent fashion designer Nanette Lepore and former-Bengal Frostee Rucker.

"It's a terrible feeling when you can't help someone suffering from cancer or another debilitating medical condition -- I know from personal experience," Robertson said in a release. "But medical marijuana can give our loved ones relief. I'm part of ResponsibleOhio because I want to be part of making this change a reality."

Robertson, better known as "The Big O" to many Cincinnatians, was famous for his professional career and distinguishing himself as a humanitarian, social activist and teacher.

ResponsibleOhio hopes that the additional supporters announced Friday will aide in the Political Action Committee's goal of creating a highly regulated, fairly taxed and lab-tested marijuana marketplace in Ohio.

"The campaign is honored to have such well-respected businesswomen and men, as well as patient advocates supporting our effort to offer a common-sense solution to Ohio's failed drug policies," said ResponsibleOhio's Executive Director Ian James in a release.