Ohio has yet to legalize marijuana, so anyone caught using it could potentially face serious penalties. Ohio’s laws state that possessing less than 200 grams of marijuana is a misdemeanor with the potential for up to 30 days incarceration if you have between 100 and 200 grams.
If you possess 200 grams or more, you may face a felony charge. There are different felony levels, with those possessing up to 1,000 grams facing a year in prison and those carrying 40,000 grams or more facing 8 years in prison at the very least. The fines range significantly from $150 for a misdemeanor in possession of less than 100 grams to $20,000 for being in possession of 40,000 grams or more.
To a degree, Ohio has decriminalized the use of marijuana. That simply means that it’s unlikely that you’ll be facing incarceration or a mark on your criminal record for a first-time offense for possession. However, that doesn’t mean every case will be the same or that being caught with marijuana will lead to few or no penalties. Your history of arrests and other violations could have an impact on this instance. With felony convictions, there is a potential for a mandatory minimum sentence, particularly if you’re caught with 40,000 grams or more of marijuana.
If you’re accused of possessing marijuana in Ohio, you shouldn’t delay speaking with a legal professional who can help protect your interests. Not all states treat marijuana use the same, but Ohio is still hard on anyone who is caught with this drug. Don’t let it derail your life.
Source: NORML, “Ohio Laws & Penalties,” accessed May 10, 2018