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…]
Despite Recommendations, Lawmakers Nix Changes to Drug Laws
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.
[Read more…]
St. Louis Cracks Down on Kids, Gangs to Stop Violence
In response to a particularly violent summer, St. Louis officials have cracked down on problem spots, kids, and even clothing in an effort to keep things calm. Now, they are already reporting some success in the battle, boasting a decrease in violent crime in just the last 30 days. [Read more…]
Springfield Citizens Petition to Decriminalize Marijuana
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.
—
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…]
St. Louis County Crime Lab Sees 6-8 Month Delays on Drug Cases
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…]
Missouri Legislators Pass Crack Cocaine Disparity Bill
It may have taken Missouri two years to follow the federal government’s lead in reducing disparities between crack cocaine and powder cocaine sentences, but lawmakers finally passed the measure this week and it now heads to the governor’s desk, according to the Associated Press. [Read more…]
Heroin Use in Kansas City on the Rise
Heroin is on the rise across the country and in Kansas City. The Kansas City Star is reporting this week that even the suburban families of Johnson County are not immune to heroin’s cheap and potent lure, making what was once considered a back-alley secret, more of a living room party drug.