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Cannabis and its products’ legal standing appear to be constantly changing. Although over a dozen states have legalized marijuana for recreational use, marijuana is still illegal under federal law in many states.
Over the past ten years, Ohio’s regulations have undergone substantial modification in favor of greater latitude. Despite this, marijuana is still prohibited in many places, so the smaller details of the law matter when you enter this state.
Find out what marijuana-related activities are and are not permitted in Ohio by reading on.
Is Weed Legal In Ohio?
When it comes to the legalization of marijuana, many people believe that this means that the citizens of these specific states are free to smoke or consume this drug whenever they feel like.
They may believe that it is legal to sell, obtain, and consume weed wherever and whenever they want. This is simply not true.
Some states permit the use of marijuana for recreational purposes, meaning that anyone living there may smoke or consume the drug whenever they choose, while others only allow the controlled distribution of marijuana for medical purposes.
Continue reading to discover Ohio’s views and laws on both recreational usage and medical usage.
Recreational Marijuana
Recreational marijuana use is still prohibited in Ohio as of 2023. This means that it is illegal for simply anyone to purchase and use marijuana in this state, and doing so is frequently deemed to be a crime.
Possession of marijuana does not always constitute a crime, though. An individual who is discovered to have possession of fewer than 100 grams would be considered guilty of a minor offense, and, in turn, will be subjected to a $150 fine.
Minor misdemeanors typically do not end up on a person’s criminal record, so paying the fine will be the worst thing that will happen to that person. Therefore, as a rule, a person in possession of less than 100 grams of weed cannot, and will not, be arrested.
Anything that weighs more than 100 grams, however, is illegal, and depending on the amount, the individual may be punished as a simple misdemeanor or a felony.
The potential repercussions of a conviction depend on a variety of elements, including prior allegations, the amount of marijuana discovered in that person’s possession, and any extenuating circumstances.
Moreover, marijuana cultivation and/or producing is prohibited outside of authorized dispensaries, and anyone found doing either would certainly face possession charges.
Medical Marijuana
On the other hand, Ohio has legalized medical marijuana as of late. Under Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Control Program, marijuana used for medical purposes is accepted under strict laws.
The person in question must have a recognized medical condition in addition to having a doctor assist them in signing up with the state register in order to be in accordance with the law.
They will only be able to buy marijuana from a dispensary that has received state approval.
A person is only allowed to possess enough marijuana to last them for 90 days, and they are not allowed to produce their own or acquire it in any other way.
The fact that medical marijuana is legal does not mean that those who qualify can smoke or buy it anytime they want; rather, it implies that they can do so through a licensed provider.
When Did Weed Become Legal In Ohio?
When Governor John Kasich passed House Bill 523 in 2016, Ohio thus became the 25th State to legalize medical marijuana. The consumption of medical marijuana became authorized by this law.
Beginning September 6, 2016, residents of Ohio could enter Ohio lawfully with medical marijuana in their possession, providing that they had a prescription from a doctor.
Furthermore, it was lawful for doctors to suggest medical marijuana to patients who had specific illnesses, including Alzheimer’s, cancer, Crohn’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, and persistent or chronically severe pain.
Prior to this breakthrough, Ohio was also one of the first states to legalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis. It became the sixth state to decriminalize cannabis, making it lawful to possess up to 100 grams of marijuana.
If a person had 100 grams or fewer of marijuana, they could not be arrested and it was entirely legal.
The holding of no more than 100 grams of cannabis is currently considered a ‘minor misdemeanor’ in Ohio, punishable by a maximum penalty of 150 dollars. Possession of 200 grams or fewer of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 30 days in prison and a $250 fine.
Final Thoughts
Marijuana is legal in the state of Ohio, but only medically. It is not legal to smoke or consume weed recreationally, as of 2023. This law was passed in 2016.
Only those who have received a diagnosis of a recognized illness or who have been determined to be in severe pain are permitted to smoke or consume marijuana in the state of Ohio.
It is unlawful to buy marijuana anywhere else other than an authorized dispensary, and only a licensed doctor may prescribe it to a patient.
However, it is lawful for someone without a medical card to possess up to 100 grams of marijuana, even if they could be penalized up to $150 if they are caught.
A $250 fine and a 30-day jail sentence may be imposed for someone discovered in possession of 200 grams or fewer of marijuana.
Overall, a person living in Ohio may only use marijuana if they have been given permission from a doctor, and they have purchased it from a dispensary.
We hope you found this article helpful and informative.
Learn more about Midwest weed laws and legal status of cannabis in neighboring states.
- Is weed legal in Indiana?
- Is weed legal in Kentucky?
- Is weed legal in Michigan?
- Is weed legal in Ohio?
- Is weed legal in Pennsylvania?
- Is weed legal in West Virginia?
I’m an avid gardener and cannabis enthusiast. You can usually find me in my garden caring for my plants or at my computer crafting helpful blogs for my readers.
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