In 2018, Ohio had a significant year concerning cannabis legislation. While recreational marijuana remained illegal, the state had a robust medical marijuana program following its legalization in 2016. The program officially became operational on September 8, 2018.
Under the law, qualified patients with one of 21 specific medical conditions could use and possess up to a 90-day supply of marijuana, provided they have a recommendation from an Ohio-licensed physician. However, smoking marijuana was still prohibited; patients could only consume cannabis in oils, tinctures, plant material, edibles, and patches.
Moreover, there were attempts to legalize recreational use. The Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Amendment was proposed to allow people over 21 to buy, possess, and grow marijuana. However, this measure didn’t make it to the ballot in 2018.
Possession laws for non-medical use remained stringent. Possession of fewer than 100 grams was considered a minor misdemeanour, punishable by a maximum fine of $150. Larger amounts carried heavier penalties, with possession of 100-200 grams being a fourth-degree misdemeanour, potentially leading to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine.
In summary, while Ohio made strides in 2018 with its medical marijuana program, recreational use remained illegal, and possession laws continued to be enforced.
2015’s Unsuccessful Attempt at Legalization: A Look into Ohio’s 2018 Cannabis Laws
In 2018, Ohio’s cannabis laws were a mix of progressive medical marijuana policies and stringent regulations against recreational use. Medical marijuana became officially operational in Ohio on September 8, 2018, following its legalization in 2016. The law allowed patients with any of the 21 specific medical conditions to use and possess up to a 90-day supply of medical marijuana, provided they had a recommendation from an Ohio-licensed physician.
However, smoking marijuana was still prohibited; patients could only consume cannabis in oils, tinctures, plant material, edibles, and patches. Also, there was an attempt to legalize recreational use that year – The Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Amendment. This proposal allowed people over 21 to buy, possess, and grow marijuana. However, it did not make it to the ballot in 2018.
For non-medical use, possession laws were quite strict. Possession of fewer than 100 grams was considered a minor misdemeanour, punishable by a maximum fine of $150. Larger amounts attracted heavier penalties, with possession of 100-200 grams being a fourth-degree misdemeanour, potentially leading to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine. Therefore, while Ohio made strides in establishing a medical marijuana program, recreational use remained illegal, and the state-enforced possession laws.
Conclusion
Ohio’s 2018 marijuana legalization marked a significant change in the state’s approach to cannabis laws and penalties. This first look at the legislation highlights the key aspects of the new laws, including the legal status of marijuana, permitted usage, and the penalties for violations. Understanding these changes is crucial for residents and businesses navigating the evolving legal landscape in Ohio.
