What You Should Know About Ohio Drug Possession Laws Ohio drug possession laws are codified by Ohio Revised Code Section 2925.11 and define possession of controlled substances as “knowingly obtaining, possessing, or using a controlled substance”. Ohio drug laws classify controlled substances into five “schedules.” These schedules range from the most serious (Schedule I) to the least serious (Schedule V). Possession of more serious drugs carries more severe penalties, while the penalties for possessing less serious drugs are not as harsh. Ohio law provides different “bulk amounts” for each type of drug. These are benchmarks used to measure the appropriate penalty based on the quantity of the drug. Criminal penalties for possessing a controlled substance can include prison sentences, fines, or both. If you have been arrested for a drug possession crime in Ohio, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer today. Hiring a criminal defense lawyer gives you the best chance to reduce or eliminate your criminal charges. Recent Case Result: Drug Crime Reduced to Disorderly Conduct Ohio Drug Laws on Controlled Substances Ohio drug laws follow federal classifications of controlled substances into five “schedules”: Schedule I. Schedule I drugs are those that have a high potential for abuse and have no accepted medical uses. Examples of Schedule I drugs include heroin, LSD, and marijuana. But the Ohio Legislature has now enacted laws providing for medical use of marijuana with an approved license. Schedule II. Schedule II drugs are drugs with a high potential for abuse but with limited accepted medical uses. These drugs are considered dangerous and can lead to severe mental and physical dependence. Cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, and fentanyl are some examples of Schedule II drugs. Schedule III. Schedule III drugs are drugs with a moderate to low potential for abuse or dependence and have accepted medical uses. Ketamine and anabolic steroids are examples of Schedule III drugs. Schedule IV. Schedule IV drugs have a low potential for abuse or dependence. These drugs also have known medical uses. For example, Xanax, Valium, and Ambien are Schedule IV drugs. Schedule V. Schedule V drugs have the least potential for abuse and the most common medical uses. Antidiarrheal and cough suppressants are examples of Schedule V drugs. Whether a drug is a Schedule I or II controlled substance or a Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substance is important for criminal charges, penalties, and sentencing. Related: Client with Possession of Heroin Charge Gets Diversion Program Ohio Penalties for Possessing Controlled Substances Penalties for possession of controlled substances depend on factors such as the type and the amount of the substance. For example, possession is more severely punished when it involves possession of Schedule I and Schedule II controlled substances. The penalties for possessing a controlled substance also depend on how much of the substance the accused possessed. Some controlled substances, including marijuana, LSD, heroin, and cocaine, are measured by weight. Other controlled substances are measured by what Ohio drug laws call a bulk amount. Each controlled substance is assigned a bulk amount by statute. Penalties depend on whether the defendant possessed less or more than the bulk amount. Note that possession is not a crime if the person has a valid prescription for the controlled substance. Many controlled substances, particularly Schedule III, IV, and V controlled substances, have accepted medical uses. Possessing a controlled substance without a valid prescription, however, can lead to misdemeanor or felony possession charges. Possession and Aggravated Possession of Controlled Substances in Ohio Ohio law differentiates possession and aggravated possession of controlled substances based on the type of drug you possessed. Schedule I and II Controlled Substances Possession of most Schedule I or II controlled substances is aggravated possession of drugs under Ohio drug laws. However, possession of some Schedule I and II drugs will not result in aggravated possession charges. Marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and LSD Schedule I and II drugs that are excepted from aggravated possession charges include marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and LSD. Each drug carries its own penalties. Marijuana Possession of marijuana in Ohio is penalized as follows: Less than 100 grams is a minor misdemeanor; Greater than or equal to 100 grams but less than 200 grams is a fourth degree misdemeanor; Greater than or equal to 200 grams but less than 1,000 grams is a fifth degree felony; Greater than or equal to 1,000 grams but less than 20,000 grams is a third degree felony; and Greater than or equal to 20,000 grams is a second degree felony. If you’re charged with marijuana possession in Ohio, contact a criminal defense lawyer today. Heroin Possession of heroin in Ohio is penalized as follows: Less than 10 unit doses or less than one gram is a fifth degree felony; Greater than or equal to 10 unit doses but less than 50 unit doses or greater than or equal to one gram but less than five grams is a fourth degree felony; Greater than or equal to 50 unit doses but less than 100 unit doses or greater than or equal to five grams but less than 10 grams is a third degree felony; Greater than or equal to 100 unit doses but less than 500 unit doses or greater than or equal to 10 grams but less than 50 grams is a second degree felony; Greater than or equal to 500 unit doses but less than 1,000 unit doses or greater than or equal to 50 grams but less than 100 grams is a first degree felony; and Greater than or equal to 1,000 unit doses or greater than or equal to 100 grams is a first degree felony plus major drug offender status. If you’re charged with heroin possession in Ohio, contact a criminal defense lawyer today. Cocaine Possession of both powder and crack cocaine in Ohio is penalized as follows: Less than five grams is a fifth degree felony; Greater than or equal to five grams but less than 10 grams is a fourth degree felony; Greater than or equal to 10...
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