Hancock County Officials Clarify Marijuana Cultivation Laws After Seizures

Yesterday, August 5, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and the Hancock-METRICH Drug Task Force worked with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Butler County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Division to carry out a Marijuana Eradication Operation in Hancock County.

According to a release from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, during this operation, law enforcement found 42 marijuana grow sites with a total of 289 plants. They also found one more site where they removed 6 marijuana plants that were more than what the law allows.

At six of these sites, officers spoke with property owners to explain the proper way to grow marijuana legally in Ohio. Many of these sites had plants that were in places where children could get to them, with toys nearby as signs that kids were present. The plants were not hidden or secured, and they were in plain view from public areas, which is not allowed.

As a reminder, while it is legal to cultivate marijuana, there are restrictions that individuals must remember.

Important Reminders About Ohio Marijuana Laws (O.R.C. Section 3780.29):

• You must be at least 21 years old to grow or possess marijuana plants.
• One person can grow up to 6 plants at home.
• A home with 2 or more adults (all 21 or older) can grow up to 12 plants total.
• All marijuana plants must be grown in a secure area (like a room, closet, or greenhouse) that:
  • Keeps out people under 21 years old.
  • Is not visible from any public area with normal unaided vision from a public space.

The six plants that were taken will be destroyed. No charges are being filed against any of the individuals that law enforcement spoke to about complying with O.R.C. Section 3780.29.

The full release can be found below: