While medical marijuana in Ohio was legalized in 2016 by state lawmakers, the recreational use of cannabis is still against the law. However, former Gov. James Rhodes signed a bill that decriminalized cannabis in 1975, making possession of up to 100 grams of marijuana considered a “minor misdemeanor,” punishable by a maximum $150 fine. Minor misdemeanors are treated like traffic tickets and do not result in a criminal record.
However, in recent years, many cities have taken decriminalization a step further by no longer fining or arresting individuals for misdemeanor marijuana crimes. Remember, anyone caught possessing or using cannabis outside these cities can still face state criminal penalties.
The following are the Ohio cities that have decriminalized marijuana possession to the point of no penalties:
- Athens – Passed in 2017 by resident voters, possession of up to 200 grams of cannabis will result in no fines, no criminal record, and no court costs.
- Bellaire – Passed in 2016 by resident voters, possession of up to 200 grams of cannabis will result in no fines, no criminal record, and no court costs.
- Bremen – Passed in 2019 by resident voters, possession of up to 200 grams of cannabis will result in no fines, no criminal record, and no court costs.
- Cincinnati – Passed in 2019 by the City Council, possession of up to 100 grams of cannabis will result in no fines, no criminal record, and no court costs.
- Fremont – Passed in 2019 by the resident voters, possession of up to 200 grams of cannabis will result in no fines, no criminal record, and no court costs.
- Logan – Passed in 2016 by resident voters, possession of up to 200 grams of cannabis will result in no fines, no criminal record, and no court costs.
- Nelsonville – Passed in 2019 by resident voters, possession of up to 200 grams of cannabis will result in no fines, no criminal record, and no court costs.
- Newark – Passed in 2016 by resident voters, possession of up to 200 grams of cannabis will result in no fines, no criminal record, and no court costs.
- Northwood – Passed in 2019 by resident voters, possession of up to 20 grams of cannabis will result in no fines, no criminal record, and no court costs.
- Norwood – Passed in 2018 by resident voters, possession of up to 200 grams of cannabis will result in no fines, no criminal record, and no court costs.
- Oregon – Passed in 2018 by resident voters, possession of up to 200 grams of cannabis will result in no fines, no criminal record, and no court costs.
- Roseville – Passed in 2016 by resident voters, possession of up to 200 grams of cannabis will result in no fines, no criminal record, and no court costs.
- Toledo – Passed in 2015 by resident voters, possession of up to 200 grams of cannabis will result in no fines, no criminal record, and no court costs.
- Windham – Passed in 2018 by resident voters, possession of up to 200 grams of cannabis will result in no fines, no criminal record, and no court costs.
In July 2019, the City Council of Columbus voted to make possession of up to 100 grams of cannabis—as well as possession of paraphernalia—punishable by a $10 fine. In addition, possession of between 100 and 200 grams of marijuana carries a maximum $25 fine.
If you have been charged with a marijuana crime in Columbus, contact The Meranda Law Firm LTD today at (614) 707-4239 and schedule a free consultation.