Toledo's K-9s, Legalization, and Learning: How Recreational Marijuana is Shaping the Community

In Perrysburg Township, Ohio, the recent legalization of recreational marijuana has brought significant changes for the local police department's K-9 unit. K-9 Maty, once primarily trained to sniff out marijuana among other narcotics, now plays a multifaceted role in law enforcement. Lt. Jason Gladney of the Perrysburg Township Police Department notes that although recreational marijuana is now legal in Ohio, Maty's skills are far from obsolete.

Maty continues to help law enforcement by detecting marijuana in packages sent through the USPS. Despite the legalization for individuals over 21, sending marijuana through the mail remains illegal. This nuance allows Maty to remain active in operations that involve probable cause for package searches.

Moreover, Maty's contributions extend beyond just narcotics detection. He participates in tracking suspects and conducting building and area searches, showcasing the versatility and value of trained K-9s in the police force. At the Penta Career Center, where Officer Kurt Schroeder works as a resource officer, Maty’s role remains crucial since marijuana remains illegal for those under 21.

While departments like Perrysburg Township’s have adapted, the broader law enforcement community faces challenges. Ken Kober, Cincinnati FOP President, highlights the growing confusion within police ranks, as officers shift focus to more severe narcotics like fentanyl and heroin. The legalization of marijuana has led to some K-9s facing early retirement as their primary skillset becomes less relevant.

Legislation is in the works to address the changing landscape for these K-9s. House Bill 396 proposes allocating funds from recreational marijuana sales to cover the cost of training new narcotic dogs. This bill aims to provide each affected police agency up to $20,000 per dog, ensuring law enforcement can continue to effectively tackle drug-related crimes.

On the education front, the University of Toledo's Cannabis Management program has seen a surge in interest following the legalization. This program, which existed before the law change, offers courses like ‘Cannabis Law,’ ‘Cannabis Entrepreneurship,’ ‘Plants and Products,’ and ‘Benefits and Risks.’

Brandon Cohen, a senior lecturer at the university, explains that these courses provide students with valuable knowledge about the burgeoning cannabis industry. With Ohio’s market expected to grow, UToledo students are poised to capitalize on new opportunities in cultivation, processing, secure transport, testing, and retail.

Senior student Bailey Mitchell shares that incorporating cannabis courses into her curriculum was a strategic move. With aspirations to open one of the state’s first cannabis lounges, Mitchell emphasizes that the industry’s growth is inevitable, making early involvement beneficial.

Cohen further notes the broader benefits of legal cannabis, including significant tax revenue that could positively impact the state if managed correctly. The program offers students, whether aspiring entrepreneurs or those simply interested in the socio-economic ramifications, a comprehensive understanding of the cannabis sector.