When it comes to marijuana reform, Missouri is rarely in the national conversation about targeted states and likely prospects for reform and future legalization. But that is a mistake.
Reformers here like Show Me Cannabis and Missouri NORML are quietly and effectively laying the groundwork for a very serious legalization ballot initiative in 2016, and Missouri is likely to catch a lot of people by surprise. Or at least, surprising to people who haven’t been paying attention. [Read more…]
Missouri state Representatives approved a measure on April 24 that could allow patients suffering from some seizure disorders to gain access to CBD or a marijuana extract. If passed, it would be the state’s first venture into medical marijuana, and one that is long overdue for many families and patients leaving the Show Me State for greener pastures. [Read more…]
With each passing year, the climate surrounding marijuana reform seems to get more accepting. In Missouri, however, that hasn’t led us to any more permissive marijuana laws. On the contrary, we remain one of the states with the most restrictive marijuana laws of all. That doesn’t mean no one is trying to change this situation though, as three marijuana reform bills have already been proposed in 2014 and groups are also working to get legalization on the ballot come November. [Read more…]
It seems like an exaggeration to suggest that marijuana could lead you to a life sentence. Unless weapons or other violence was involved, it just doesn’t seem logical. But at least one Missouri man is proof that marijuana charges can result in lengthy and unjustly severe penalties.
As reported by the Huffington Post, Jeff Mizanskey is serving life in prison without the possibility of parole. His horrific crime: possessing five pounds of marijuana. [Read more…]
Though most drugs are thought of as big-city problems, methamphetamines are something that have spared no one in their scourge. In Missouri, meth labs have proliferated the countryside and meth use has spread into the cities and small towns alike. A recent article and series of interactive maps at PolicyMic.com illustrates how our state is outpacing most others in meth labs and overall damage from the drug. [Read more…]
In the latest of nationwide marijuana reform, city officials in St. Louis have recently voted to lessen penalties for those caught with pot. According to St. Louis Today, The Board of Aldermen voted 22-3 this week to significantly reduce penalties within the city. [Read more…]
It’s been 30 years since the criminal code of Missouri was updated. It’s high time. In order to make the proper changes, the state assembled a committed of prosecutors, defense lawyers, and lawmakers to make recommendations as to the many changes that are needed.
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Although there will be no marijuana legalization choices on this years November ballot, a new report shows that it could be in the state’s best interest to get one on there as soon as possible. The report began when such a measure was plausible, and before Show-Me Cannabis, the state’s legalization campaign leaders, had to abandon their efforts for a 2012 ballot. [Read more…]
Update: Via MPP, the Springfield city council voted to block efforts to get this on the ballot, despite the certified and legitimate petitions by Show Me Cannabis. Here’s hoping they have some legal recourse against this blatantly anti-democratic political maneuvering.
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A petition to decriminalize possession of a small amount of marijuana has received enough signatures and will now move forward to the City Council for consideration. According to the Springfield News-Leader, the petition was certified by City Clerk Brendat Cirtin with 2,132 signatures. [Read more…]
When the police find drugs on someone, they can’t just use their experience and best judgment to push charges. While this might be good enough for an initial arrest, the prosecutor is going to want hard evidence—namely, lab test results confirming the substance as a drug. But in St. Louis County, there is a long wait for such test results, causing charges and treatment to be delayed. [Read more…]