The first Ohio State football season since legal marijuana products hit the market is now underway, but can you partake while you tailgate?
The answer is no. And Ohio State University authorities said you can not smoke cannabis inside Ohio Stadium.
The Ohio Department of Commerce, which oversees the state’s Division of Liquor Control and Division of Cannabis Control, sent a reminder out to Ohioans Wednesday to abide by underage consumption, open container and public use laws for alcohol and adult use cannabis.
Division of Liquor Control Superintendent Jackie DeGenova and Division of Cannabis Control Superintendent Jim Canepa both urged Buckeye fans that following these laws will help ensure a safe experience for everyone amassing in Ohio parking lots to cheer on their favorite team.
What are the rules around adult use cannabis consumption?
Alcohol consumption is not legal in public places outside of a liquor permit holder’s premises or a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), according to the liquor division. Anyone caught selling or providing alcohol to people under 21 could be fined or jailed.
Similar laws apply to cannabis. Non-medical cannabis consumption in a public area, like say, a parking lot full of tailgaters, is considered a minor misdemeanor. This was one of the rules laid out in the citizen-initiated statute passed by Ohio voters last November.
You cannot legally use adult-use marijuana if you’re under 21, and if someone provides adult-use products to those under 21, they could face fines and jail time.
Ohio’s law banning smoking and vaping in indoor public spaces also applies to marijuana, and like alcohol, operating a vehicle while under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
The commerce department included another friendly note in their reminder to eat plenty of food, drink plenty of water and have a plan to get home safely either with a designated driver, a rideshare or public transportation.
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Samantha Hendrickson is The Dispatch’s medical business and health care reporter. She can be reached at shendrickson@dispatch.com