LAKEWOOD, Ohio (WOIO) – The legalization of recreational marijuana changes things for Ohio’s state economy, business, and police, but officers say the job of enforcing the law remains the same.
“We are here not only as an enforcement agency, but we’re here to educate people as well,” said Sgt. Bridget Matt is part of the public affairs unit for the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Matt says officers’ training has already prepared them for this new world.
Lakewood Police spokesperson Cpt. Gary Stone adds there is a bit of a learning curve for everyone, which is why the education side of the job is vital.
“They neighbors smell marijuana coming from one of their neighbors, and we will go out there and talk to the person that made the complaint and tell them what they are doing is not illegal as long as it doesn’t prohibit it in the lease,” said Stone.
Stone explains they police marijuana much like alcohol, as it is not allowed in public parks in Lakewood, much like open container laws, or on restaurant patios due to licensing.
He stressed learning more before jumping into use.
“It’s another thing that you have to take into account, look into it a little bit, find out more of what you’re doing,” said Stone. “Find out more about what you’re doing and how it affects you; it can affect people differently.”
One point of concern, however, is driving.
“We saw when looking from 2022 to 2023 a decrease in fatal crashes by three percent; when you take a look at those crashes, the drug-related crashes increased by 4 percent,” said Matt.
In Colorado, where the drug has been legal for a decade, fatal crashes involving THC continue to rise.
Matt says education and teaching young drivers the importance of not driving while under the influence is an important part of getting ahead of any rise.
19 News asked Stone if there will be more OVI checkpoints, especially during the football season, and he says it remains to be seen.
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The legalization of recreational marijuana changes things for Ohio’s state economy, business, and police, but officers say the job of enforcing the law remains the same. Read More