Unlike Most States, Ohio Bars Lawyers From Aiding Medical Marijuana Businesses

Lawyers cannot provide legal services to establish, operate, or help someone do business with a medical marijuana business in Ohio, even though the state is about to legalize its use, according to an Ohio Supreme Court board.

 

That's because marijuana is still banned under federal law, according to an advisory opinion released last week by the Supreme Court's Board of Professional Conduct.

 

The board also asserted that any lawyer who uses medical marijuana personally or owns or is employed by a dispensary may face possible federal prosecution, and such activity "may adversely reflect on a lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness, and overall fitness to practice law."

 

Attorneys are allowed to explain Ohio's medical marijuana law and give advice about the legality and consequences of operating under it and federal law, according to the advisory opinion.