Marijuana use in Ohio is illegal, but offenses involving less than 100 grams are largely decriminalized such that possession of these amounts is a minor misdemeanor. The state also launched the Medical Marijuana Control Program (OMMCP) in 2017, giving qualified patients access to dispensaries selling marijuana within the state.

Cannabis is not entirely legal for recreational use, so people who possess, sell, or transport the drug within the state can still be arrested and face criminal charges in many cases. A marijuana conviction can come with some very damaging long-term consequences that can make it difficult for a person to obtain housing, employment, or professional licensing.

Marijuana Crime Defense Lawyers in Columbus, OH | Sabol | Mallory

Were you arrested for a marijuana crime in Columbus or another nearby community in Franklin County? Make sure that you are contact an attorney as soon as you get the chance.

Sabol | Mallory handles all kinds of marijuana crimes and works to help people achieve the most favorable outcomes carrying the fewest penalties. Call (614) 300-5088 or contact us online to set up a free consultation.

Types of Marijuana Crimes in Ohio

Ohio Revised Code § 3719.01 defines marihuana (more commonly referred to as marijuana) as “all parts of a plant of the genus cannabis, whether growing or not; the seeds of a plant of that type; the resin extracted from a part of a plant of that type; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of a plant of that type or of its seeds or resin.” The term does not include the mature stalks of the plant, fiber produced from the stalks, oils or cake made from the seeds of the plant, or any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the mature stalks, except the resin extracted from the mature stalks, fiber, oil or cake, or the sterilized seed of the plant that is incapable of germination.

According to the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, marijuana was involved in more incidents than all other drugs combined and the rate of marijuana-related incidents increased 72.5 from 2004 to 2014. The rate of marijuana-related incidents was expected to increase 26.7 percent by 2017.

Marijuana offenses listed under the Ohio Revised Code include:

• Corrupting another with drugs — Ohio Revised Code § 2925.02

• Trafficking, aggravated trafficking in drugs — Ohio Revised Code § 2925.03

• Illegal cultivation of marijuana — Ohio Revised Code § 2925.04

• Funding, aggravated funding of drug or marijuana trafficking — Ohio Revised Code § 2925.06

• Possession of controlled substances — Ohio Revised Code § 2925.11

• Possessing drug abuse instruments — Ohio Revised Code § 2925.12

• Permitting drug abuse — Ohio Revised Code § 2925.13

• Illegal use or possession of drug paraphernalia — Ohio Revised Code § 2925.14

• Tampering with drugs — Ohio Revised Code § 2925.24

A person could also be charged with selling, purchasing, distributing, or delivering dangerous drugs under Ohio Revised Code § 4729.51. Cultivation is a term that is often used to describe offenses in which an alleged offender is growing marijuana, and police will usually claim there was an intent to sell the cannabis even when they may not have actually been the case.

Ohio Marijuana Crimes Penalties

Marijuana crimes can carry a wide range of possible sentences, depending on how an offense is classified. The grading of a marijuana crime usually depends on the amount of cannabis allegedly involved and other factors.

In general, convictions may be punishable as follows in most cases:

• Fourth-Degree Misdemeanor — Up to 30 days in jail and/or fine of up to $250

• Third-Degree Misdemeanor — Up to 60 days in jail and/or fine of up to $500

• Second-Degree Misdemeanor — Up to 90 days in jail and/or fine of up to $750

• First-Degree Misdemeanor — Up to 180 days in jail and/or fine of up to $1,000

• Fifth-Degree Felony — Six to 12 months in prison and/or fine of up to $2,500

• Fourth-Degree Felony — Six to 18 months in prison and/or fine of up to $5,000

• Third-Degree Felony — Nine months to five years in prison and/or fine of up to $10,000

• Second-Degree Felony — Two to eight years in prison and/or fine of up to $15,000

• First-Degree Felony — Three to 11 years in prison and/or fine of up to $20,000

Columbus, OH Marijuana Crimes Resources

Central Ohio NORML — Central Ohio NORML is the local chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). NORML supports the right of adults to use marijuana responsibly, whether for medical or personal purposes. The organization believes all penalties should be eliminated for responsible use of marijuana.

Americans for Safe Access (ASA): Medical Cannabis (Marijuana) — The mission of ASA is to ensure safe and legal access to cannabis (marijuana) for therapeutic use and research. Visit this website to view publications, newsletters, adn reports. You can also find condition-based booklets, fact sheets, and state legal manuals.

Ohio Patient Network — The Ohio Patients Network has the mission to legalize cannabis for medical use. It identifies itself as “the oldest coalition of patients, caregivers, activists and medical professionals in Ohio who support the compassionate use of cannabis for various medicinal purposes.” On this website, you can find pamphlets, recent news, and press releases.

Contact a Columbus Marijuana Crimes Defense Attorney Today

If you were arrested for any kind of marijuana crime in the Columbus area, you will want to act quickly to find legal representation. A skilled criminal defense lawyer will have the best idea of how to properly handle your drug charges.

Sabol | Mallory can work to possibly get your criminal charges reduced or dismissed. You can have us provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case as soon as you call (614) 300-5088 or contact us online to take advantage of a free consultation.