June 3, 2015

Missouri could soon be the 24th state to legalize medical cannabis, after becoming the 19th state to decriminalize the possession of marijuana in May 2014. House Bill 800, sponsored by Rep. Dave Hinson, R-St. Clair, would establish the “Missouri Compassionate Care Act,” allowing licensed medical cannabis centers and production facilities to provide medical cannabis to patients with qualifying needs, effective in 2017.

Upon returning from a Washington, D.C., conference hosted by the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, MU NORML executive director Benton Berigan shared concern over the enactment of HB 800.

“From a patient’s point-of-view, it wasn’t very good,” Berigan said. “HB800 gave no option for home (cannabis) cultivation, and would only allow access through dispensaries. Many patients already have numerous medical bills and home cultivation would be a beneficial alternative. The government would only be collecting more tax revenue through it (medical cannabis), and patients would benefit.”

The medical cannabis center would need to obtain a license valid for two years. The license only allows facilities to sell medical cannabis grown in the licensee’s cultivation and production facility and medical cannabis-infused products produced in the licensee’s cultivation and production facility.

Patients interested would need to be 21 years of age or older. All applicants would be fingerprinted and undergo a background check. Restrictions, including where medical cannabis may be used or possessed, have been determined.

HB 800 would reduce the possible sentences associated with the sale and cultivation of cannabis, said John Payne, executive director and treasurer of Show Me Cannabis.

“It’s an issue that has been urgent for a long time, and people are beginning to recognize it,” Payne said. “The problems between the police and the community arresting 20,000 people in the state (of) Missouri is unnecessary and unjust and creates mistrust that should not be there. Police are not doing their proper role of protecting property but are just there to arrest and harass, which creates problems.”

Payne said he believes the bill will create an abundance of social and economic benefits, as well as help criminal and legality issues.

“Revenues will be brought in,” Payne said. “Improved tax revenue, economic benefits, a drop in criminal records will all help instead of perpetuating a life of crime.Law enforcement could focus on really serious crime like rape, robbery or murder.”

However, sophomore Stephanie Sandoval said she is concerned about how HB 800 could potentially impact the well-being of the community.

“I think police would have to change their policy (for those who have a) certification for cannabis and who does not,” Sandoval said. “Teenagers are also more at risk of using it if there is that kind of access. I just hope they figure out a system where they can do more good than harm and not make cannabis disposable to everyone.”

The bill was passed in the Emerging Issues Committee on March 12 and through the Select Committee on General Laws on March 31, allowing it to move for further consideration. If passed, the bill will become effective August 2015.

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