No, throwing stars (shuriken) are classified as “deadly weapons” under Ohio Revised Code § 2923.11, making their possession or use illegal without proper authorization.
Ohio’s 2023 weapons statute revisions, effective January 2024, explicitly prohibit the sale, transfer, or carry of shuriken in public spaces, aligning with the Ohio Attorney General’s 2026 enforcement directives targeting concealed weapons violations. Local law enforcement agencies, including the Columbus Division of Police and Cleveland Police Department, have prioritized compliance checks in response to a 15% increase in weapons-related incidents involving edged tools. Violations may result in felony charges under § 2923.12, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses or use in commission of a crime.
Key Regulations for Throwing Stars (Shuriken) in Ohio
- Prohibited Possession: Shuriken are classified as “dangerous ordnance” under ORC § 2923.11(A)(2), barring ownership without a valid permit from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Permits are rarely issued for non-firearm weapons.
- Public Use Restrictions: Carrying or throwing shuriken in any public place, including parks, streets, or vehicles, constitutes a fourth-degree felony under ORC § 2923.121, punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment.
- Commercial Transactions: Selling or distributing shuriken within Ohio violates ORC § 2923.20, with penalties including fines up to $10,000 and mandatory forfeiture of inventory. Online sales to Ohio residents are subject to interdiction by the Ohio Department of Public Safety.