The Ohio Senate Approves Increase of Marijuana Decriminalization Amount To 200 Grams

Ohio continues to put its best foot forward regarding marijuana and its residents. Rather than continuing to arrest individuals for small drug crimes, the Ohio Senate doubled its decriminalization amount of marijuana and reduced other criminal penalties. This measure will help reduce the number of felony arrests moving forward.

Before July 1, 2020, an individual with less than 100 grams (or 3.5 oz) of marijuana flower would not see jail time or face arrest. Despite the delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, both a committee and full body session passed the bill to increase the decriminalization amount to 200g grams (or 7 oz) of marijuana. The bill was widely accepted and passed 24-5.

Anything drug aside from legal medical marijuana is still illegal in the state. However, those who are caught with small amounts of cannabis will no longer face jail time or arrest charges. Rather, individuals will receive a civil citation with a $150 fine.

The new bill, SB 3, not only increases the amount of marijuana flower that is decriminalized, but it also increases the limit on hash as well. The amount of hash will rise from 5 grams to 10 grams. Those who do receive the civil citation will not create a criminal record. Even upon paying the fine, no employer or licensing agency will be aware of the civil citation.

Those who do possess more than 200 grams of marijuana flower or 10 grams of hash will likely be arrested, serve jail time, and incur a criminal record. Those carrying 200 grams to 400 grams of marijuana flower can be arrested with a fourth-degree misdemeanor charge and amounts exceeding 400 grams will incur a first-degree misdemeanor charge. About hash, those in possession of 10 grams to 20 grams will incur a fourth-degree misdemeanor, and any amount over 20 grams will result in a first-degree misdemeanor.

In addition to marijuana possession, the bill passed by Ohio’s Senate also reduces penalties for other drugs. The goal of this bill is to reduce the number of felony arrests. The passing of this bill does provide hope that the state will move forward with making marijuana fully legal this coming November.

Until cannabis is legal for all to use in the state of Ohio, those with qualifying conditions can get their Ohio MMJ Card with ease. Simply find a location nearest you, complete the prescreening, and meet with a qualified physician. That’s all it takes to start living your best pain-free life! Contact Us today if you have any questions during the process.