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April 20 – an unofficial holiday for marijuana enthusiasts – is almost here.
The recreational and medicinal substance is celebrated annually on the day by smokers around the world. This year is extra special because it’ll be the first herb-loving holiday since Ohio legalized recreational marijuana in November.
But will Ohioans be able to purchase recreational marijuana for 4/20? Here’s what we know.
When is 4/20?
The quasi-holiday known as 4/20 occurs annually April 20, a Saturday this year.
Can you smoke marijuana in public in Ohio on 4/20?
Ohioans shouldn’t smoke marijuana in public, even in places that allow outdoor tobacco smoking. This is because smoking marijuana falls under the state’s smoking ban, which prohibits people from smoking plant material in enclosed areas open to the public, with exceptions for outdoor patios, smoke shops and hotel rooms designated for smoking.
But that doesn’t mean you should spark up on your local bar’s patio. Bars and restaurants with liquor permits can’t knowingly allow or facilitate the use of controlled substances, which includes marijuana, so these businesses can’t invite people to smoke or pop an edible at their establishment.
The new law does allow “any public place” to decide whether to allow or prohibit marijuana. But it also says anyone who uses marijuana in public areas is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. One of Gov. Mike DeWine’s top priorities has been to clarify the statute’s language around public consumption.
So in other words, the rules surrounding public marijuana consumption are still a bit hazy.
Can you buy recreational marijuana on 4/20 in Ohio?
Ohioans 21 and older can buy, possess and grow cannabis after voters approved Issue 2 on the November ballot. But legal sales aren’t expected to begin until June at the earliest.
