Ohioans reminded that recreational marijuana not permitted while tailgating
COLUMBUS, Ohio - As football season gets underway, Ohioans are being reminded that it’s illegal to make recreational marijuana part of tailgate celebrations outside stadiums leading up to kickoff.
The Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Cannabis Control says that although the state has legalized the sale of non-medical cannabis, the use of non-medical cannabis in a public area is considered a minor misdemeanor.
Like alcohol, the use of non-medical cannabis by those under the age of 21 is prohibited, and anyone who provides cannabis to minors can potentially face fines as well as possible jail time.
It is also illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of cannabis.
“We encourage individuals who choose to use non-medical cannabis to do so with safety in mind, both for themselves and those around them,” said Division of Cannabis Control Superintendent Jim Canepa. “Before someone uses a cannabis product, it’s critical they understand state law as it relates to public cannabis use and follow any policies that may be in place depending on where they’re tailgating.”
Ohioans are not permitted to legally drink alcohol in public places that are outside of a liquor permit holder’s premises or the boundaries of a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) during its active hours.
As of this writing, the only DORAs in the Valley are at Patriot Boulevard in Austintown, Salem, Columbiana, and at Firestone Farms just outside Columbiana. Click here to view the locations and details of DORAs across Ohio.
According to the Youngstown State University website, while beer can be purchased at concession stands inside Stambaugh Stadium, no outside alcohol may be brought into the stadium or the tailgate lots.
Beer is available at some hospitality tents in the M-72 Hospitality Tailgate Lot.
The Ohio Division of Liquor Control reminds tailgaters that anyone convicted of selling or providing alcohol to those under the age of 21 can face a maximum sentence of six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine for each offense.
