Kentuckians Cross State Lines for Ohio’s Recreational Cannabis

Recreational Cannabis is Now Being Sold Legally in Ohio, as of Aug. 6

On August 6, Ohio officially joined the growing list of states where recreational cannabis can be legally purchased. The new law marks a significant shift in the state’s cannabis policy, allowing adults 21 and older to buy and use marijuana without needing a medical prescription. However, this change has also led to a surge of interest from neighboring Kentucky, where recreational cannabis remains illegal.

What You Need to Know

As Ohio’s new cannabis market opens its doors, many Kentuckians are making the short trip across state lines to take advantage of the newly legalized substance. Yet, this newfound freedom comes with caveats. Residents of Kentucky who travel to Ohio to purchase cannabis need to be aware of the legal restrictions that remain in place once they return home.

Kentuckians Are Traveling Across State Lines to Buy Cannabis, but They Can Still Get in Trouble for Bringing It Back

The allure of legal cannabis in Ohio has prompted many Kentuckians to make the journey for a chance to buy marijuana without a medical license. However, Covington Police are urging caution. Bringing cannabis back to Kentucky is still illegal and could result in legal trouble.

Lt. Justin Bradbury, Public Information Officer for the Covington Police Department, warns of the potential pitfalls. “I think a lot of people will tend to forget that there is a state line that runs between Covington and Cincinnati, and that even though it’s legal over there, it’s not legal over here,” Bradbury said. “Ignorance of the law will still get you in trouble if you break it.”

Covington Police Recommend That Anyone Who Wants to Go to Ohio to Partake, Do So Over There

For those who wish to enjoy Ohio’s legal cannabis, Covington Police strongly advise that it be consumed within Ohio’s borders. Bringing cannabis back to Kentucky remains a violation of state law and is considered a misdemeanor offense. “The laws for marijuana possession are still the same in Kentucky. Even though the laws have changed in Ohio, they have not changed in Kentucky,” Bradbury added.

The Only Time It’s Legal for Residents of Kentucky to Go Over to Ohio and Buy Marijuana to Bring Back Is If They’re Following the Rules of the Medical Marijuana That Was Under the Governor’s Executive Order

Kentucky residents with medical marijuana licenses have a narrow window of legality if they wish to transport cannabis from Ohio. They must adhere to specific guidelines outlined in the Governor’s executive order, which includes several regulations that must be followed meticulously. Failure to comply with these rules could lead to legal issues upon returning to Kentucky.

Police Say Driving While Intoxicated Is Still a Crime. So If Kentuckians Go to Ohio to Use Cannabis, They Should Plan to Have a Designated Driver

Driving under the influence of cannabis remains illegal. Police urge travelers to plan ahead and arrange for a designated driver if they intend to consume cannabis while in Ohio. “Driving while intoxicated is still a crime,” Lt. Bradbury reminded. “So if Kentuckians go to Ohio to use cannabis, they should plan to have a designated driver.”

Accordingly, Many Kentuckians Are Traveling Across State Lines to Partake, but They Can Still Get in Trouble for Bringing It Back

Despite the enthusiasm for legal cannabis, many Kentuckians remain unaware of the legal risks associated with transporting cannabis back to Kentucky. The journey across state lines has sparked a variety of responses, from excitement to concern about potential legal repercussions.

The Cox Brothers: Pioneers in Kentucky’s Cannabis Future

Spectrum News 1 spoke to Joe and Doug Cox, two brothers from Florence who recently made the trip to Ohio. They were among the first to buy legal cannabis in the state and are now focusing on establishing their own medical cannabis dispensary, The Blazed Leaf, in northern Kentucky.

“It was like Christmas,” Joe Cox said, describing his excitement about Ohio’s new cannabis laws. He and his brother not only bought products for personal use but also to understand how dispensaries operate. “We want to make sure we’re getting the quality of the product that people want,” Cox explained.

Joe, who has focal epilepsy, believes in the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. “It’s definitely kept me a good solid 12 years without having a full-on episode,” he said. The brothers are currently working on obtaining the necessary licenses to operate their dispensary and are hopeful about their future in Kentucky’s cannabis industry.

Looking Ahead

While the opening of Ohio’s recreational cannabis market offers new opportunities, it also highlights the complexities of navigating cannabis laws across state lines. Kentuckians interested in partaking should stay informed and cautious to avoid legal trouble.

For those venturing into Ohio for cannabis, remember: enjoy responsibly and respect the legal boundaries of both states.