Missouri: Legislation Filed to Legalize Cannabis Possession, Cultivation and Distribution

Missouri: Legislation Filed to Legalize Cannabis Possession, Cultivation and Distribution

Missouri State Representative Brandon Ellington has prefiled House Joint Resolution 15, to be discussed in the upcoming legislative session which begins on January 7th. The proposal, which is a constitutional amendment modeled after Colorado’s successful Amendment 64, would legalize the possession, private cultivation and state-licensed sales of cannabis for those 21 and older.

If approved into law, those 21 and older would be authorized to possess and purchase up to an ounce of cannabis, as well as cultivate up to six plants.

Ellington introduced a similar proposal last year; though it unfortunately stalled in committee, Ellington expresses confidence that the reintroduction of his proposal will lead to further conversation, as more lawmakers begin to understand the benefits of legalization.

In November, the organization Show-Me Cannabis filed an initiative to legalize cannabis in Missouri; the proposal, which is also a constitutional amendment, would legalize the possession of up to twelve ounces of cannabis, the cultivation of six plants, and state-licensed cannabis retail outlets. Advocates are aiming to put the proposal to a vote in 2016, if lawmakers don’t act beforehand.

– TheJointBlog