OHIO
When a state legalizes adult-use cannabis, it is acknowledging that public interest has turned against the continued criminalization of cannabis. However, simply repealing the prohibition of cannabis is insufficient: millions of individuals across the U.S. still bear the lifelong burden of having a cannabis record, and tens of thousands are actively serving sentences for cannabis-related convictions. Ohio just recently legalized adult-use cannabis but the state has still not set up processes to provide retroactive relief to individuals that have been criminalized during prohibition. Get started by writing a letter to your governor and learning more about the state of cannabis justice in Ohio below!
During Ohio's recent legalization efforts, LPP highlighted Harold's story which began when legal repercussions for a cannabis-related offense altered the trajectory of his life. In December 2015, Harold Thomas received a call from his friend about a cannabis delivery he was moving from Kansas. At that point, Harold did not know that the Cincinnati Police Department had already enlisted his friend as a confidential informant. Harold was later arrested, convicted of trafficking cannabis, and sentenced to 8 years in prison.
Despite the subsequent legalization of medical cannabis and the recent approval of adult-use sales through Issue 2, the absence of automatic resentencing and record clearance provisions left a critical gap in redressing past injustices. Harold lost the good part of a decade, in spite of the victimless nature of his offense.
Last Prisoner Project remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that the victory of Issue 2 translates into tangible justice for all individuals impacted by past cannabis convictions in Ohio. We urge Ohioans to join the ongoing fight for justice by taking action—calling on Governor DeWine to grant cannabis clemency immediately and advocating for state-initiated, comprehensive relief measures.
Read Harold's full story on our blog here.
WRITE A LETTER TO YOUR GOVERNOR
Americans on both sides of the aisle support pardoning those with cannabis-related convictions. But the public needs to pressure their governors to do what’s right. Through our Pardons to Progress campaign, you can urge your governor to deliver bold action and immediate relief by granting clemency to the tens of thousands of people still incarcerated for cannabis in your state.
The State of Cannabis Justice in OH
IN THE NEWS
- Ohio Lawmaker Warns Colleagues They Risk Losing Reelection For Undermining Voter-Approved Marijuana Legalization Law
- How legal Ohio marijuana would help real victims of 'victimless crime'
- Ohio Becomes 24th State to Legalize Cannabis, but the Battle for Justice Persists
- Ohio Legalizes Adult-Use Cannabis
- Ohio Legalizes Recreational Marijuana: What's Next For Taxpayers, Consumers And Business Owners
- Issue 2 would legalize recreational marijuana. Automatic record expungements? Not so much
PSYCHEDELICS IN OHIO: Learn more about our approach to Psychedelic Policy Reform
