By Steve Elliott
Hemp News
The parts of Toledo, Ohio's new marijuana decriminalization law which abolish jail and fines for possessing pot is now being honored, even though the recently adopted "Sensible Marihuana Ordinance" remains in limbo in a legal contest between the city and Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine.
Twenty-one people have been charged with marijuana possession in Toledo Municipal Court since voters approved the ordinance on September 15, reports Tom Troy at The Blade.
Among those cases, only one defendant, 18-year-old Mariah Smith, has been convicted. She pleaded no contest and was "sentenced" to no fine and no jail time.
In the other cases, the defendants are still waiting for trail or authorities reduced the charge to disorderly conduct.
Atty. Gen. DeWine and others filed suit to block sections of the law that attempt to rewrite Ohio state felony law regarding marijuana.
By a 70 to 30 percent vote, Toledo residents in September approved the citizen initiative that wrote a new ordinance into the Toledo Municipal Code which decriminalizes marijuana and hashish possession. Fewer than 10 percent of registered city voters turned out for the election.
The new city ordinance reduces all the penalties, no matter the quantity, to zero dollars in fines and zero time in jail.