Cincinnati Takes Giant Step Back

Cincinnati's marijuana laws just got a lot less reasonable: The City Council voted to increase penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana. The previous law made possession of up to 100 grams a minor misdemeanor that resulted in a $100 fine. Now, it's a fourth-degree misdemeanor leading to immediate arrest and a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail and a $250 fine. This is a ridiculously draconian penalty for nonviolent marijuana users, and Cincinnatians know it -- dozens spoke out in front of the Council to oppose the increased punishments, and City Council members expressed strong concerns about the law. The citizens of Cincinnati deserve better than this step backward into bad marijuana policy.