The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control legalized recreational cannabis for all Ohio residents over the age of 21 on Aug. 6.
While cannabis may be legal in Ohio, Miami University still has rules and restrictions for recreational use on campus. When in doubt, remember the rules are similar to those for alcohol.
Haylee Joy, a junior psychology major at Miami, thinks that these changes will make cannabis more common on campus.
“It’s just more easily accessible now,” Joy said.
Statewide, legalization is not as straightforward as it may seem. Unlike alcohol, there are limits on how much someone can possess. J.R. Bernan, a local criminal defense lawyer at Rittgers & Rittgers, said an individual can possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and 15 grams of extracts or edibles at a time. This means no more than 10 units of oil or packages of edibles.
Additionally, cannabis remains illegal nationally. Crossing state borders with it, even if both states have legalized weed, is considered federal drug trafficking, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce.
“It can be confusing… students may not necessarily understand that [cannabis being] legal in Ohio does not mean that it’s legal at the federal level,” Leslie McNeill, assistant director of student wellness, said. “[Miami] does receive federal funds, so that’s what the law is, regardless of what Ohio says.”
Miami has been a drug-free campus since 1989, with a campus and federal policy that includes everything from alcohol to cannabis. Rebecca Young, director of student wellness, explained that most of these policies are in place to protect students' health.
“It is an understanding of brain development,” Young said. “The human brain is not completely developed until age 25.”
Young’s advice to reduce harm for students who want to try cannabis is to have someone with them. She said there can be a danger of a potential allergic reaction, and some ingredients may not be on the label because it’s not regulated.
In response to the legalization, the office of student wellness launched a new program called “Do you know your ABCs? (Alcohol, BAC, and Cannabis).” This program is meant to be a safe space for students to learn about these substances and their safe use.
Off-campus, students 21 or older are legally able to carry and use cannabis; however, people still aren’t legally allowed to walk down the street smoking.
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According to the Ohio Department of Commerce, cannabis use in public is still prohibited. The only exception is for those with a medical cannabis card. Additionally, driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal and can result in charges for operating a vehicle impaired.
In short, cannabis is not allowed anywhere on campus. No exceptions. Off-campus, those over 21 can do as they please within laws and regulations.
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