YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Ohio’s legalized marijuana law is impacting how troopers are trying to keep narcotics off of Ohio’s highways.
Drug enforcement statistics from the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) show a dramatic decrease in drug violations from 2023 to 2024. Across the state in 2023, there were 4,629 drug violations but just 1,348 in 2024. Sgt. Bridget Matt said the decrease is due to the legalization of marijuana.
In Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties, OSHP numbers show the statewide trend. In Mahoning County, there were 67 drug violations in 2023 compared to 37 in 2024. In Trumbull County, troopers recorded 130 violations in 2023 and just 14 in 2024. And Columbiana County had 45 in 2023 and 37 in 2024.
The numbers get a little more difficult to break down when comes to felony violations because those include all felonies — not just drugs — but those are down, too. Across the state in 2023, there were 2,669 felony arrests and 2,053 in 2024.
In the past, smelling or seeing marijuana in a vehicle would be a “criminal indicator” and would give troopers the opportunity for a more thorough search. Many times, that is when narcotics or firearms would be recovered. Now, other reasons may have to be present for a trooper to conduct that kind of search.
For instance, the odor of marijuana in an October 2023 traffic stop prompted troopers to search the SUV where they found $47,000 worth of heroin.
However, there are still illegal ways to possess marijuana in Ohio even though it is legal.
The state is just days away from people being able to walk into dispensaries and purchase legalized marijuana. Dual-use permits are being issued and once other guidelines are met and inspections are completed, sales will begin. Right now, Ohioans can grow and possess a small amount of marijuana for personal use but can’t take it across state lines.
Matt said troopers are working closely with state and federal law enforcement to keep narcotics off the state’s highways. It’s imperative because Ohio is one of the country’s major routes for trafficking from Mexico to the East Coast.
Just recently, 44 pounds of cocaine was seized at a truck stop in Austintown where troopers were talking to a commercial driver about prostitution in the area. A K-9 alerted to the driver’s tuck where the drugs were found.
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