Ohio’s Cannabis Law Faces Varied Municipal Responses

LOS ANGELES- Ohio’s cannabis law permits individuals aged 21 and older to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and up to 15 grams of cannabis concentrates. Additionally, residents can cultivate up to six cannabis plants at private residences. The law also allows licensed cannabis stores, regulated by the Division of Cannabis Control, to sell cannabis and cannabis products.

Despite this legalization, 55 cities have enacted ordinances to prohibit licensed cannabis stores. These cities, with a combined population of over a million people, account for only 6% of all cities and towns in Ohio.

This percentage is notably lower compared to other states with legal cannabis, such as Michigan and New York, where over 50% of cities ban cannabis stores. A potential contributing factor is Ohio’s Host Community Fund, which is distributed exclusively among cities and towns that permit cannabis sales.