Columbus, OH: Governor John Kasich, a Republican, signed legislation into law last week that significantly reduces statewide criminal penalties associated with the possession of marijuana paraphernalia.
Under provisions contained in Senate Bill 337, the penalty associated with cannabis paraphernalia will be lowered from a fourth-degree misdemeanor (punishable by up to 30 days in jail) to a minor misdemeanor, punishable by a traffic ticket-like citation and a fine.
Ohio law already defines marijuana possession offenses involving 100 grams (approximately three ounces) or less as minor misdemeanors.
A minor misdemeanor does not create a criminal record in Ohio.
The new law takes effect on September 28, 2012.
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director, or Keith Stroup, NORML Legal Counsel, at (202) 483-5500.