Missouri Proposal That Decriminalizes Cannabis Becomes Law Without Governor’s Signature

Missouri Proposal That Decriminalizes Cannabis Becomes Law Without Governor’s Signature

Senate Bill 491, a proposal that greatly alters Missouri’s criminal code – including decriminalizing the possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis – has become law without Governor Jay Nixon’s signature. The state’s legislature approved the measure with an 169 to 17.

Under current Missouri law, the possession of any amount of cannabis can net someone a prison sentence of up to a year. Under Senate Bill 491, the charge for possessing up to 10 grams of cannabis would be reduced to a simple fine, rather than an arrestable misdemeanor. Charges involving cannabis cultivation and distribution would also be reduced.

The measure includes several other reforms as well, including removing a mandate that finds someone convicted for the third time on a drug felony charge automatically denied probation and parole.

Unfortunately the proposal doesn’t go into full effect until January, 2017. Those wanting to look over the bill can do so by clicking here.

– TheJointBlog