Voters in Bremen, Nelsonville, Bremen, and Northwood each approved local ballot items to decriminalize marijuana possession on Tuesday, November 6. On the other hand, voters in Amherst, Wren, and Adena rejected similar measures.
The local initiatives in Bremen and Nelsonville make possession of up to 200 grams punishable by the “lowest penalty allowed by state law,” rather than a misdemeanor that carries a maximum 30-day jail sentence and a fine of up to $250. In Northwood, the new city ordinance no longer penalizes possession of 20 grams or less.
The following is a list of other Ohio cities that have decriminalized marijuana possession in recent years:
- Athens – Possession of under 100 grams of cannabis is a minor misdemeanor, which carries a maximum $150 fine.
- Bellaire – Possession of under 200 grams of pot is a minor misdemeanor, which results in no fine, no court costs, and no criminal record.
- Dayton – Possession of under 100 grams of cannabis is a minor misdemeanor, which results in no fine, no court costs, and no criminal record.
- Fremont – Possession of under 200 grams of pot is a minor misdemeanor, which results in no fine, no court costs, and no criminal record.
- Logan – Possession of under 200 grams of pot is a minor misdemeanor, which results in no fine, no court costs, and no criminal record.
- Newark – Possession of under 200 grams of pot is a minor misdemeanor, which results in no fine, no court costs, and no criminal record.
- Oregon – Possession of under 200 grams of pot is a minor misdemeanor, which results in no fine, no court costs, and no criminal record.
- Roseville – Possession of under 200 grams of pot is a minor misdemeanor, which results in no fine, no court costs, and no criminal record.
- Toledo – Possession of under 200 grams of pot is a minor misdemeanor, which results in no fine, no court costs, and no criminal record.
- Windham – Possession of under 200 grams of pot is a minor misdemeanor, which results in no fine, no court costs, and no criminal record.
In most of these cities, if a police officer finds marijuana on a person, he/she has the discretion to confiscate the substance and issue a warning. However, local law enforcement officials may still charge a person with possession of marijuana under state code, which carries fines and potentially jail time.
If you have been charged with a marijuana offense or any other drug crime in Cleveland, Akron, Beachwood, Strongsville, or Independence, contact Patituce & Associates today at (440) 771-1175 to get more than three decades of legal experience on your side.
