Cincinnati, OH: Members of the Cincinnati City Council have voted 5 to 3 in favor of a municipal measure eliminating criminal and civil penalties for marijuana possession. The new local law takes effect on July 12.
Under the ordinance, activities involving the possession of up to 100 grams of marijuana will no longer be subject to local penalties. Cincinnati is one of a growing number of Ohio municipalities, including Athens and Toledo, to eliminate marijuana possession penalties.
State Attorney General Dave Yost criticized the city’s decision.
Members of the Council are also expected to vote imminently on a separate ordinance facilitating the expungement of prior marijuana possession convictions.
Under state law, the possession of up to 100 grams of cannabis is classified as a minor misdemeanor offense, punishable by a $150 fine.
For more information, contact Carly Wolf, NORML State Policies Coordinator, at (202) 483-5500.