Legalize and Repair

While current drug policy criminalizes addiction and enforcement often targets low-income communities and people of color, the ACLU of Ohio works for fair and sensible drug policies that will support safe and healthy communities across Ohio.

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Legalize and Repair: Cannabis Use in Ohio

Overview

In November 2023, Ohio voters overwhelmingly approved a measure legalizing recreational cannabis use, known at the time as Issue 2. Following the election, the Division of Cannabis Control, which “regulates medical marijuana cultivators, processors, dispensaries, and testing laboratories,” began the rulemaking process. During this time, the Division set up the administrative structure and regulations for the adult-use industry, creating the framework for the licenses needed to sell cannabis.

Ten months later, on August 6, 2024, recreational sales officially began in Ohio, and adults 21 years and older are currently allowed to possess and consume cannabis in accordance with the parameters of the law. However, the Ohio General Assembly can change the laws regarding adult-use cannabis at any time but must do so through the legislative process.

Next Steps

At the ACLU of Ohio, we want to ensure all Ohioans understand the law, its limitations, and its potential. We know that the legalization of cannabis for adult use in our state shows progress. However, we recognize the harms – many of them ongoing – of the failed War on Drugs, disproportionately falling on our Black and brown communities, and all those who have been harmed by cannabis convictions. Ohio must embrace this new reality and work to erase the negative impact of past convictions. This is not the final destination, but a critical step in the right direction toward drug policy reform.

Take Action

Tell Ohio Lawmakers to protect our existing marijuana laws and to protect the Social Equity and Jobs Program.

Resources

Know Your Rights: Ohio Marijuana Legalization Laws

Blog: What’s the Status of Adult-Use Cannabis in Ohio

The Latest

News & Commentary
ohio statehouse graphic with red podium and microphone

Senate Bill 55 Proponent Testimony

Senate Bill 55 is such a noticeable improvement over current law, the ACLU of Ohio is compelled to support this bill and urge its passage. But, we do urge this committee and the various stakeholders involved to further improve this legislation.
News & Commentary
ohio statehouse graphic with red podium and microphone

House Bill 296 – Proponent Testimony

House Bill 296 is a straightforward approach to easing the often insurmountable burdens faced by neighbors returning to our communities from Ohio’s prisons and transitional control.
News & Commentary
ohio statehouse graphic with red podium and microphone

Substitute Senate Bill 56 – Opponent Testimony

The people of Ohio endorsed a policy to legalize and repair resoundingly. As it stands today, Sub. SB 56 remains at odds with this endorsement.
News & Commentary
ohio statehouse graphic with red podium and microphone

House Bill 160 – Opponent Testimony

The ACLU of Ohio believes there are some positive parts of HB 160. But they do not outweigh mandatory jail sentences, criminalizing behavior to make things worse than before Issue 2, gutting reform efforts and funding, and kicking to the curb those most impacted by Ohio’s nonsensical, never-ending War on Drugs. For these reasons and more, the ACLU of Ohio urges this committee’s rejection of House Bill 160.
Court Case
Feb 12, 2021

State v. Foreman (amicus)

Under the prohibitions against cruel and unusual punishment in the Eighth Amendment and Article I § 9 of the Ohio Constitution, it is unlawful to prosecute a person for the status or condition of being a “drug user.” Yet, Kelly Foreman was convicted of felony possession for her status as a drug user