56 Ohio Towns Push Back Against Statewide Cannabis Legalization

Ohioans voted to legalize recreational marijuana in November, enabling adults 21 and older to possess, grow, and purchase marijuana for recreational use. However, despite the statewide legalization, numerous towns in Ohio are opting to ban its sale.

Local Bans on Cannabis Sales

According to Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, 56 municipalities have enacted bans on the sale of recreational marijuana as of May 31, 2024. These municipalities account for approximately 3% of Ohio’s 924 incorporated municipalities and 1,307 townships.

Towns Implementing Bans

The following towns are among those banning the sale of recreational marijuana:

Ashland

Austintown Township

Avon Lake

Barberton

Beachwood

Beavercreek

Bellefontaine

Bellville

Brunswick

Carlisle

Centerville

Clayton

Copley Township

Eaton

Fairfield

Forest Park

Franklin

Granville Township

Green

Hamilton

Hudson

Kettering

Kirtland

Lakewood

Lexington

Lisbon

Logan

Madison Township

Marysville

Medina Township

Miamisburg

Monroe

Napoleon

New Franklin

North Olmstead

North Royalton

Northfield

Norton

Obetz

Ontario

Orange

Perrysburg

Salem

Shelby

Springboro

Strongsville

Sycamore Township

Trotwood

Troy

Vandalia

Washington Township

Waynesville

West Carrollton

West Chester Township

Westlake

Xenia

Variation in Ban Duration

The university highlighted that the list might not be exhaustive, and the duration of the bans varies, with some lasting only a few months and others extending up to a year.

Upcoming Dispensaries

Despite these local bans, recreational dispensaries are expected to open in Ohio by summer or early fall 2024. In contrast to Ohio, only four states that have legalized adult cannabis use—New Mexico, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Minnesota—do not permit localities to ban marijuana businesses.