Cannabis activists have made substantial strides toward Missouri marijuana legislation for nearly a decade, despite setbacks and disapproval. Although marijuana in Missouri is still recreationally illegal, the state has come a long way in making the medicine accessible to patients.
What is Missouri’s marijuana history? How did legalize weed Missouri 2022 form its foundation? Join Elevate Holistics as we learn about the history of marijuana in Missouri, medical marijuana legislation in Missouri, and Missouri weed in 2022.
History of Marijuana in Missouri
As the plant is losing its stigma nationwide, the state of Missouri is slowly waking up to the healing properties of cannabis. The Show-Me state’s medical marijuana program is thriving, and Missouri marijuana legalization could be on the horizon.
How did the state get to this point in its marijuana reform? Since prohibition, where did new cannabis legislation in Missouri begin? Let’s look into the history of marijuana in Missouri.
MO Weed Decriminalization
In 2014, lawmakers partially decriminalized cannabis through Missouri marijuana legislation. Decriminalization eliminated the punishment of jail time for first-offense possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana in Missouri.
Since law enforcement can still charge possession of small amounts of cannabis as a misdemeanor, the state’s decriminalization is considered partial. The decriminalization measure went into effect in 2017.
Before decriminalization, the punishments for consuming or possessing marijuana in Missouri were harsh, including the possibility of lengthy jail time.
Missouri CBD Program for Epilepsy
In 2014, Missouri passed HB 2238. This bill allowed residents with intractable epilepsy to apply for access to “hemp extract” (state-approved CBD products) as part of the Missouri Hemp Extract Registration Program. The bill required patients or parents of patients to obtain a recommendation from a neurologist for a “hemp extract registration card.”
In 2015, Missouri issued licenses to two non-profits to produce cannabis oil for patients.
Hemp Removed From State’s List of Controlled Substances
In 2018, Missouri passed HB 2034 officially removing industrial hemp containing no more than 0.3% THC from the state’s list of controlled substances. The same year, the 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp with 0.3% THC or less.
History of Medical Marijuana in Missouri
Missouri marijuana legislation began taking shape when Amendment 2 for medical MO weed legalization reached the ballot. Missouri residents voted nearly 66% in favor of medical Missouri marijuana legalization in 2018. Two years later in October 2020, the first licensed dispensary sales of cannabis began.
The Missouri medical marijuana program is for registered patients with at least one of the state’s qualifying medical conditions. The state has registered 136,000 patients in its medical marijuana program.
To obtain a Missouri medical marijuana card, patients must get approval for medical cannabis from a doctor (that’s what Elevate Holistics does) and register with the state. Missouri MMJ cards are valid for one year.
LEARN MORE: Cannabis Over Time: The History of Weed
Medical Marijuana Legislation in Missouri
So what does medical marijuana legislation in Missouri entail? What are the laws in Missouri surrounding medical cannabis?
- Patients can purchase up to four ounces of marijuana every 30 days. Patients who want to increase their purchase limit require two independent physician certifications.
- Patients licensed to grow marijuana can grow up to six flowering plants, six non-flowering plants, and six clones in a secure area.
- It is illegal to drive with any amount of marijuana in your system, even if you have a Missouri MMJ card.
- Possession of 10 grams or less of cannabis is punishable by a fine for non-patients, but the offense remains a criminal misdemeanor. Possessing larger quantities of cannabis is punishable by jail time.
- The state taxes medical marijuana by 4%.
With the help of medical marijuana legislation in Missouri, the state of marijuana in Missouri has never been better. Will Missouri marijuana legislation soon evolve even more?
Attempts to Legalize Weed Missouri
Attempts for Missouri marijuana legalization have been taking place for years, seeking the legalization of medical or recreational cannabis. Here are a few stand-out campaigns and measures.
Medical Marijuana 2018
On the 2018 ballot, two other medical marijuana measures failed: Amendment 3 and Proposition C.
Amendment 3 would have taxed marijuana sales at 15% and used the revenue to develop a Biomedical Research and Drug Development Institute. Proposition C planned to set taxes at 2% and use the revenue for veterans’ healthcare services.
MO Weed Legalization 2020
In 2020, Missourians for a New Approach submitted petition language and started to gather signatures to legalize adult-use cannabis in Missouri. COVID-19 forced the campaign to legalize weed Missouri to end, as they could not function properly. This campaign did not reach the ballot.
MO Weed Legalization 2022
Finally, an attempt at Missouri marijuana legalization is sticking. Legal Missouri 2022 organized the effort to add recreational marijuana in Missouri to the November 2022 ballot. The group garnered more than 200,000 verified signatures across the state, exceeding the 184,720 required signatures.
A recent Emerson College Polling and The Hill poll shows that just under half of Missouri voters (48%) support MO marijuana legalization, while 35% are opposed, and the rest are unsure.
If Missourians pass Legalize Weed Missouri, not only will recreational weed be available – but the medical cannabis program will strengthen.
Learn more about Missouri marijuana 2022 and the benefits of having a medical card by clicking here.
Make History With Elevate Holistics
The history of marijuana in Missouri shows persistence and dedication, and its story continues. Will MO weed legalization actually pass in 2022? What will happen to the state’s medical marijuana program if residents pass the measure?
Well, the weed isn’t always greener on the other side. Missouri’s medical marijuana program will still be the optimal choice when it comes to obtaining weed in MO.
Here at Elevate Holistics, we know that Missouri and marijuana are a perfect match. That’s why we want to connect MO residents with medical marijuana accessibility in the best way possible.
Elevate Holistics is an online medical marijuana clinic that virtually links patients to certified physicians for medical marijuana certification. If you need extra assistance, the EH team can help you with as much of the process as you deem necessary – we’re here to help.
We make it hassle-free: book a doctor’s appointment with Elevate Holistics for medical marijuana certification.
