Marijuana reform starts locally in Ohio

The state legislature decriminalized marijuana in 1977. Yet one million Ohioans live in places that continue to make pot possession a criminal offense.

Dozens of Ohio communities — from Ashland to Zanesville — remain at odds with state law and common sense.

Did you know Youngstown has Ohio’s harshest marijuana law?

Did you know Cleveland decriminalized pot possession years ago but forgot to do the same for paraphernalia?

Did you know Cleveland, Toledo and Dayton never suspend driver’s licenses for marijuana possession while Columbus and Cincinnati always suspend?

Did you know Mayor’s Courts don’t have authority to suspend driver’s licenses for pot — but often do, out of ignorance?

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Marijuana reform begins locally in Ohio.

City Council’s should be asked to:

1) Decriminalize. Make possession a “minor misdemeanor,” like a traffic ticket.

2) End license suspensions. Six-month revocations for non-driving offenses must stop.

3) Paraphernalia. Decriminalize, same as state law, and no license suspensions.

City Councils will make these reforms — if asked!

Ohio will become a better place immediately, and broader reform — legalization, medical marijuana — will get a jumpstart, encouraging voters to act statewide.