COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new era of cannabis use began in Ohio on Tuesday when the state began allowing recreational marijuana sales to residents 21 and older. Last November, residents voted to legalize marijuana in the Buckeye State. Some residents have been asking since Tuesday if they can smoke weed in public, but the answer is no.
Public consumption of marijuana remains strictly prohibited in all indoor public spaces, analogous to the state’s existing indoor smoking ban. Cannabis consumption is also prohibited in outdoor public spaces such as parks and sidewalks. In addition, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal and consumption in vehicles is strictly prohibited.
Local governments have been given the authority to create their own regulations on public marijuana consumption and may establish designated consumption areas similar to outdoor refreshment areas for alcohol, but violating the state’s consumption laws could result in a minor misdemeanor.
Ohio residents are allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flowers and 15 grams of cannabis concentrate. Home cultivation is also permitted, but with a limit of six plants per person and 12 per household. It is important to note that legally purchased marijuana must be consumed in private homes.
Despite the legalization of recreational marijuana, employers retain the right to conduct drug testing and enforce drug-free workplace policies. In addition, transporting marijuana across state lines remains illegal, regardless of the legal status of cannabis in neighboring states.
As Ohio embarks on this new chapter of its cannabis landscape, the interplay between state and local regulations will be critical to the overall impact of legalization on the state.
