Drug Enforcement and Policy Center

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The Drug Enforcement and Policy Center (DEPC) is a trusted resource on issues at the intersection of criminal justice and drug policy and enforcement.

Since its founding in 2018, the center has produced evidence-based research, education, and programming with the goal of shaping public conversation, informing policymaking, and serving the public.

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Focus Areas

Explore research, resources, and programming in the Drug Enforcement and Policy Center's primary focus areas.

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Marijuana Reform

DEPC gives sustained attention to the rapidly changing landscape of marijuana law in Ohio and beyond. See the center's research, resources, and programming in the area of marijuana policy.

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Clemency and Record Relief

DEPC faculty and staff are recognized experts on Ohio’s evolving laws and processes around record sealing, expungement, and pardons. DEPC is also home to multiple service projects in these areas.

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Drug Sentencing

DEPC examines criminal sentencing laws related to illicit drugs at both the state and federal levels.

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Other Drugs

Center researchers investigate laws and reform efforts focused on opioids, kratom, psychedelics, and other illicit drugs.

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Recent Work

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Federal Marijuana Rescheduling: Process and Impact

DEPC's timeline highlights key moments in the recent effort to reschedule marijuana at the federal level, provides answers to likely questions, and provides key documents and resources relevant to the rescheduling process thus far.

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Drugs on the Ballot: 2026

This page details the drug-related ballot initiatives up for a vote in the November 2026 election and provides a timeline of efforts to enact and implement marijuana reforms via the ballot box since 1996. It also provides information on past ballot initiatives and results.

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Ohio Criminal Record Relief Options

This resource gives a brief overview of some Ohio's criminal record relief laws and provides information on how individuals with criminal records can take advantage of them. It also includes downloadable handouts and related resources.