Is Weed Legal In Ohio? Ohio Marijuana Laws 2024

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The state government of Ohio legalized weed consumption for medical reasons in 2016. Patients can now consume marijuana as a medicinal drug in Ohio. However, the state has not legalized adult use of marijuana in Ohio. Therefore, people other than qualifying patients cannot access weed in Ohio.

Is Recreational Marijuana Legal in Ohio?

No. The consumption of weed for recreational reasons is not legal in Ohio. The state legislature had tried earlier to legalize it. But the attempt failed to gain sufficient votes. It implies that the residents of Ohio cannot possess weed of any amount for recreational consumption.

However, the state is preparing to force the legalization by two attempts in the coming ballot of November 2023. The legislature is working positively to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Ohio.

An initiative that began in 2022 will be continued in 2023. It is the Regulate Cannabis Like Alcohol Initiative. It proposes legal permission for adult use of cannabis. According to this initiative, an adult of at least 21 years would enjoy:

• Possession of weed to a maximum limit of 2.5 ounces. They could possess up to 15 grams of concentrated cannabis.
• Planting privilege of 6 weed plants.
• The state would impose a 10% tax on adult-use cannabis sales.

Another initiative has been taken in May 2023. According to House Bill 168, an adult of at least 21 years would enjoy:

• Possession of 5 ounces of weed flower, 8 grams of concentrated weed, and 15 grams of hashish.
• Planting privilege of 12 weed plants.
• Expungement from the possession charges for minor offenders.
• The state is looking forward to positive outcomes of the two efforts.

Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Ohio?

The state government of Ohio passed House Bill 523 in 2016. The bill legalized the consumption of marijuana for medical reasons. Licensed doctors can now prescribe marijuana to needy patients as an alternate medicinal drug. There is no restriction on the maximum number of patients they can prescribe.

Under the same bill, qualifying patients can possess marijuana from licensed medical stores for medicinal use. They must obtain an ohio medical marijuana card to purchase medical marijuana legally from a licensed dispensary. KIF simplifies the complex registration process for qualifying patients.

The state has limited the maximum use of marijuana for qualifying patients. In one day, they can buy a maximum of 1/10th of an ounce (2.83 grams) of dried weed plant per transaction.

The everyday limit of THC contained in creams, lotions, ointments, and patches must not exceed 295 milligrams. You can consume up to 100 milligrams of THC orally in the form of capsules, tinctures, oils, and edibles in one day. Your everyday vape juice is limited to 590 milligrams of THC.

A qualifying patient can possess a total transaction of 3 months (90 days) of cannabis. For tier 1 patients, the maximum limit is 8 ounces of dried weed plant. For tier 2 patients, the limit is 5 and 3/10th of the same material. The THC concentration in skincare products is limited to 26.55 grams.

The maximum limit is pushed to 9 and 9/10th grams of THC for oral consumption. You must not store above 53 and 1/10th grams of THC for vaping. The period is now divided into two 45-day periods.

The state has a separate limit for terminally ill patients. For tier 1 terminal illness, a patient can obtain a maximum of 10 ounces of dried weed plant material.

The limit for tier 2 terminal illness is 6 and 6/10th of the same plant material. Edible products must not contain over 33 and 3/10th of THC components. THC concentration in oils is restricted to 11 and 7/10th grams.

The state has listed twenty-one medical conditions as qualifying conditions. However, the medical marijuana card does not enable a qualifying patient to cultivate weed plants at home.

They must purchase the dosage from a licensed medical store. For seamless registration, please contact KIF.

Penalties for Marijuana Possession

• It is considered a minor misdemeanor to possess weed below 100 grams. Offenders get a maximum fine of $150.
• It is a misdemeanor to possess above 100 grams. Offenders get 30 days of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250. The possession limit must not exceed 200 grams.
• It is a felony to possess over 200 grams. Offenders get a maximum imprisonment of 1 year, followed by $2,500 in fines. The limit must not exceed 1000 grams.
• It is a third-degree felony to possess over 1000 grams (1 kg). Offenders face a punishment of 3 years of imprisonment followed by a fine between $5,000 to $ 10,000. The possession amount must not exceed 5000 grams. There is a presumption for this offense in favor of a fine rather than imprisonment.
• The penalty is the same for possessing over 5000 grams. The possessed amount must be limited to 20,000 grams (20 kg). Offenders can presume a penalty of imprisonment.
• It is a second-degree felony to possess weed above 20,000 grams. Offenders may get an imprisonment of a minimum of 5 years. The span may extend to 8 years. Otherwise, they may get a fine of a maximum of $15,000. In some cases, they may get both penalties. The possessed amount must be under 40,000 grams.
• It is a second-degree felony to possess over 40,000 grams of weed. Offenders get an imprisonment of at least 8 years and a maximum fine of $20,000.

Is Weed Decriminalized in Ohio?

Ohio decriminalized the possession of weed in 1975. Ohio became the sixth state that decriminalized weed. The then-governor signed Senate Bill 204 to stop the criminalization of weed. In 2016, it repealed the compulsory six-month suspension of a driver’s license when caught with marijuana of a maximum amount of 100 grams.

However, consuming medical weed on properties occupied by the federal government is unlawful. Weed is a Schedule 1 drug before the federal law. You cannot possess weed in public places for recreational purposes.

Future of Cannabis Legalization in Ohio

Licensed buyers can only access marijuana from licensed medical stores. Home growing practice is illegal in Ohio. These two statements imply that commercial sale is the only way to circulate weed legally in Ohio. The state licensed hundreds of stores to practice weed transactions legally. The market steadily grew to become huge.

There is a discussion going on for adult use legalization. The state legislature hopes for a positive result in the November ballot of 2023. Once passed, the market will emerge as a significant opportunity for business growth. It will increase the rate of employment. It will also impact the economy positively. Thus, the future of weed is clear in Ohio.

Ohio Marijuana Laws in 2024

• Qualifying patients of at least 18 years can purchase medical weed from a licensed store.
• Registered caregivers can purchase medical weed on behalf of minor patients.
• Adult use of marijuana is strictly prohibited as of now.
• Individuals must not consume weed in public places.
• Individuals must not drive while consuming medical marijuana. They must not consume cannabis while riding a motor vehicle.

FAQs

My parent has Huntington’s disease. Can they register for a medical marijuana card?

1. Ohio has listed Huntington’s disease as a qualifying condition. Your parent can register for a medical marijuana card for that.

Can I buy paraphernalia in Ohio?

• Possession of weed paraphernalia is a misdemeanor in Ohio. You may face a fine for that.

How much weed can I possess altogether in 3 months?

• You can possess a maximum of 200 grams of weed for medical purposes in Ohio for 3 months.