Although Ohio lawmakers legalized medical marijuana in 2016, it is unlawful to use, possess, and sell recreational marijuana in the state. But back in 1975, then-Governor James Rhodes decriminalized possession of up to 100 grams of cannabis by treating such an offense as a “minor misdemeanor,” which carries a fine of up to $150. Just like traffic citations, minor misdemeanors do not lead to a criminal record.
In recent years, however, many Ohio cities have created and approved their own decriminalization measures by making marijuana possession not even punishable by a fine. Keep in mind, if you are in possession of cannabis outside these cities, you will be charged according to state law.
Ohio cities that made marijuana possession—up to a certain amount—punishable by no fines include the following:
- Athens – When Athens residents voted to pass the measure in 2017, possession of up 200 grams of marijuana is punishable by no fines, no court costs, and no criminal record.
- Bellaire – When Bellaire residents voted to pass the measure in 2016, possession of up 200 grams of marijuana is punishable by no fines, no court costs, and no criminal record.
- Bremen – When Bremen residents voted to pass the measure in 2019, possession of up 200 grams of marijuana is punishable by no fines, no court costs, and no criminal record.
- Cincinnati – When the City Council passed the measure in 2019, possession of up 100 grams of marijuana is punishable by no fines, no court costs, and no criminal record.
- Dayton – When Dayton residents voted to pass the measure in 2019, possession of up 100 grams of marijuana is punishable by no fines, no court costs, and no criminal record.
- Fremont – When Fremont residents voted to pass the measure in 2019, possession of up 200 grams of marijuana is punishable by no fines, no court costs, and no criminal record.
- Logan – When Logan residents voted to pass the measure in 2016, possession of up 200 grams of marijuana is punishable by no fines, no court costs, and no criminal record.
- Nelsonville – When Nelsonville residents voted to pass the measure in 2019, possession of up 200 grams of marijuana is punishable by no fines, no court costs, and no criminal record.
- Newark – When Newark residents voted to pass the measure in 2016, possession of up 200 grams of marijuana is punishable by no fines, no court costs, and no criminal record.
- Northwood – When Northwood residents voted to pass the measure in 2019, possession of up 20 grams of marijuana is punishable by no fines, no court costs, and no criminal record.
- Norwood – When Norwood residents voted to pass the measure in 2018, possession of up 200 grams of marijuana is punishable by no fines, no court costs, and no criminal record.
- Oregon – When Oregon residents voted to pass the measure in 2018, possession of up 200 grams of marijuana is punishable by no fines, no court costs, and no criminal record.
- Roseville – When Roseville residents voted to pass the measure in 2016, possession of up 200 grams of marijuana is punishable by no fines, no court costs, and no criminal record.
- Toledo – When Toledo residents voted to pass the measure in 2015, possession of up 200 grams of marijuana is punishable by no fines, no court costs, and no criminal record.
- Windham – When Windham residents voted to pass the measure in 2018, possession of up 200 grams of marijuana is punishable by no fines, no court costs, and no criminal record.
When it comes to the state capital of Columbus, possession of up to 100 grams of cannabis carries a maximum $10 fine, according to a measure passed by the City Council in July 2019.
If you have been charged with a drug crime in Dayton, contact L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC today at (937) 685-7006 for a free case review.