Marijuana In Ohio: Law Enforcement Adjusts To Constantly Changing Rules For Cannabis

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Ohio could be just weeks away from the start of recreational marijuana sales. Medical marijuana dispensaries can start the application process for a dual-license starting June 7.

Meanwhile, rules for marijuana nationwide could also be changing. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has taken steps to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug.

Currently, marijuana is a Schedule I drug, which is in the same category as drugs like heroin and ecstasy. If it’s reclassified to Schedule III, it would be in the same category as Tylenol.

We’re telling our society that marijuana, if it’s in the same classification as Tylenol, has the same potency — and that’s concerning,” Groveport Police Chief Casey Adams said.

ABC 6 rode along with Adams to talk about the adjustments his department has had to make since recreational marijuana became legal.

What really terrifies me is when these drivers think they don’t feel the same effects from marijuana as they do a beer, so they must be fine to drive,” Adams said. “No, you’re not.”

Recreational marijuana became legal to use in Ohio in December.

We’ve been seeing more drugged drivers than drunk drivers. — Chief Casey Adams

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While the drug is legal to use, Ohioans are not permitted to drive high. Adams said they’ve had to make adjustments to how they question suspects they pull over after suspecting they may be under the influences of drugs.

Have you been ingesting, rubbing, inhaling, smoking any type of illegal substance,” Adams said. “We have to ask that extra question now. You can’t just use a breath test on a drugged individual.”

Adams said in order to test for marijuana levels in suspect, officers have to conduct blood or urine tests — which can take weeks to get results.

This week, Senate republicans introduced legislation that proposed modifications to rules for marijuana home grow and adult-use cannabis in Ohio. While those proposals are in the early stages at the state house, Adams said it’s another example of the constantly changing rules surrounding recreational marijuana, leaving police departments dealing with some gray space.

Right now, the changes are making our job harder because we don’t have any clear, defined rules,” Adams said. “We’re waiting for the guidance and direction from the state of Ohio, and for the state to come up with laws so we know how to enforce them.”