Ohio made headlines in 2023 by legalizing the adult use of cannabis through the passage of Issue 2. This move positioned Ohio as the latest state to embrace the trend of marijuana legalization sweeping the nation.
However, the full-scale implementation of Ohio’s adult-use cannabis program is still in progress, leaving some confused about the legality of using marijuana.
Legal possession limits
In Ohio, adults aged 21 and older can legally possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for personal use. Additionally, individuals can possess up to 15 grams of marijuana concentrate. Issue 2 also allows home cultivation, with a limit of six marijuana plants per individual, or up to 12 plants per household, for personal use.
Proposed House bills
The legislative process to refine the cannabis law has encountered hurdles, with competing bills and differing opinions among lawmakers. For example, proposed House Bills 86 and 354 both address marijuana tax rates and issues related to home cultivation. However, they have differing stances on the expungement of past drug offenses and the specifics of how to tax marijuana sales.
Challenges and delays
Despite the overwhelming support for Issue 2 among Ohioans, the following municipalities have opted to prohibit the sale of recreational marijuana within their jurisdictions:
- Hamilton
- Fairfield
- Ashland
- Xenia
- North Olmstead
City officials cite concerns about potential negative impacts on public health and safety. The Hamilton City Council enacted a temporary ban until laws clarify how to deal with the situation.
While Ohio has taken a significant step toward legalizing recreational marijuana use, many specifics of the law remain unclear. In the meantime, Ohioans must make informed choices about where and when to use marijuana if they want to do so legally.