Amir Samarghandi

asamarghandi@enquirer.com

A pro-marijuana advocacy group in Norwood handed the city auditor a petition Wednesday in hopes of reducing the penalty for marijuana possession within city limits.

Sensible Norwood’s petition is for a fall 2016 ballot initiative making possession of up to 199 grams of marijuana a non-reportable offense inside of city borders. The petition has 645 signatures, 249 more than the threshold of 10 percent from the city’s last gubernatorial election.

“We’re trying to change laws statewide, but we found a local effort much more cost-effective,” said Amy Wolfinbarger, 47, founding president of Sensible Norwood.

Current Ohio law states that possession of less than 100 grams of marijuana is a minor misdemeanor that carries a maximum $100 fine. Possessing less than 200 grams of marijuana is also a minor misdemeanor but carries a 30-day jail sentence as well as a maximum $250 fine.

“People think ‘Well, Ohio’s decriminalized already and the penalty is just a ticket’ – but that ticket affects your college, your student loans, your employment,” said Kimberly Rupp, 58, a member of the group’s board of directors.

The group said they were inspired to join the legal cannabis movement because of what they see as a reckless drug policy that incarcerates non-violent drug offenders and turns them into hardened criminals.

“It was the failed drug war that made me join and the racial disparity that happens within that. I’m a 31-year-old white guy, but my brother-in-law is black. I don’t feel that disparity as much as he will. That’s absolutely absurd and needs to change,” said Nic Balzer, a group member.

House Bill 523 has been passed by the Ohio legislature and gives people with two dozen or so qualifying medical conditions the right the use of marijuana products such as oils and tinctures if recommended by their physician. It would not allow medical patients the right to grow or smoke marijuana.

“The proof is in the pudding that we’re ready to for this when a Republican majority of Ohio lawmakers passes a bill like that. It’s a great first step,” Balzer said.

Wolfinbarger has been a Norwood resident for over 25 years and raised three children there. She said a failed drug screening cost her job and made raising her children much more difficult.

Employers under any legalization effort would still have the discretion to screen employees, but Wolfinbarger said the effort is to change the attitude and culture around marijuana.

“I’ve had law enforcement tell me privately they’re in favor of this because it’s less time they have to waste. This is about getting the focus on the real problems, like the 20 people who overdosed on heroin in Norwood in 2014 alone,” Wolfinbarger said.