With all the sweeping changes states are making to marijuana laws, it is in your best interests to stay up to date with the statutes in your region. Many states are either legalizing or decriminalizing recreational cannabis to keep up with national trends.
You will want to know what is allowed in your area to remain in compliance with the law. In Ohio, recreational cannabis remains illegal, meaning that you cannot legally possess or grow marijuana.
What are the penalties for cultivating cannabis in Ohio?
Marijuana cultivation laws are complicated in this state. If you decide to grow weed for your personal use despite the law, it is wise to ensure you understand the possible consequences if caught and convicted:
- Growing less than 100 grams of marijuana is a misdemeanor offense resulting in up to $150 in fines. Growing weed near the vicinity of minors increases the financial penalty to $250.
- Cultivating between 100 and 200 grams is a fourth-degree misdemeanor punishable by a fine approaching $250 and up to 30 days in jail. Growing this amount in the vicinity of minors doubles the penalties.
- Growing more than 200 grams is also a felony, punishable by up to a year in prison and fines approaching $2,500. Cultivating this amount near juveniles typically results in 18 months of prison time and a fine of up to $5,000.
Cultivating 20 or more kilograms of marijuana is a 2nd-degree felony resulting in a mandatory prison term of eight years and fines approaching $15,000. Growing this much cannabis near minors elevates the charges and increases the penalties upon conviction.
It is your decision whether to risk growing and using cannabis recreationally in the Cincinnati region. However, learning more about marijuana and other drug laws might help you avoid a conviction for drug crimes. A criminal defense professional can help with your case if you do face an arrest.