In response to the legalization of recreational marijuana in Ohio, two state lawmakers are taking action to address the financial burden facing law enforcement agencies. The new law will require nearly 400 police dogs trained to detect marijuana to be retired, as they cannot be retrained to ignore the scent of cannabis.
State Rep. Sean Brennan and Rep. Josh Williams have introduced a bill that would provide up to $20,000 per dog to help agencies acquire, train, and equip narcotics dogs that do not alert to marijuana. Brennan described the situation as an unintended consequence of the legalization of recreational marijuana by Ohio voters last year.
Officer Matthew Perez of the Whitehall Police Department emphasized the significant cost associated with acquiring and training new dogs, which can range from $7,500 to $11,000 each. He expressed support for the proposed bill, highlighting the financial assistance it would provide to departments with limited resources.
Deputy Chief Dan Kelso explained that current police dogs living with handlers would be available for purchase for $1 once they are retired. This measure aims to support communities like Whitehall that rely on canine units for law enforcement activities.
While adults in Ohio can now legally grow and possess cannabis at home, the sale of marijuana is still under debate as state legislators and regulators work to finalize the implementation of the new rules. A recent hearing addressed this issue, but a final decision date has not been announced.
The proposed bill seeks to alleviate the strain on law enforcement agencies in Ohio as they navigate the transition following the legalization of recreational marijuana. By providing financial assistance for the replacement of marijuana-sniffing dogs, lawmakers aim to support police departments in maintaining effective drug detection capabilities.
