NORML is pleased to announce that ten Missouri state representatives have joined together to introduce HB 277, a bill that seeks to exempt qualified medical cannabis patients from state arrest and prosecution.
HB 277 seeks to establish a comprehensive medical cannabis program in Missouri, while protecting both patients and caregivers. Specifically, the bill would:
…do lots of things you can read about after the break. One of my favorite parts of the bill, which I don’t think I’ve ever seen as specifically addressed as in this bill, “gives medical marijuana patients the same rights as other pharmaceutically medicated individuals relating to routine traffic stops, interaction with law enforcement that does not involve an illegal act, employer interaction, and drug testing pertaining to marijuana and its metabolites.” It also seems to allow for medical marijuana dispensaries!
If you’re a Show Me Stasher, get on the phone and call your state rep today! As always, you can find links, numbers, and online activism resources at our NORML Contact Officials page.
(1) Remove marijuana from the Schedule I classification for controlled substances and reclassifies it under Schedule II;
(2) Prohibit the arrest or prosecution of a qualifying patient who possesses a written certification for the use of marijuana for medical purposes. A qualifying patient younger than 18 years of age is also exempt from arrest or prosecution if a parent or guardian consents in writing to and controls the use of marijuana for medical purposes;
3) Prohibits a physician from being subject to arrest, prosecution, penalty, or denial of any right for providing written certification for the medical use of marijuana to a qualifying patient;
(4) Requires that marijuana, drug paraphernalia, or other property seized from a qualifying patient or primary caregiver in connection with the claimed medical use of marijuana be returned to the patient or caregiver following a determination by a court or prosecutor that these individuals are entitled to the protections contained in the bill;
(5) Gives medical marijuana patients the same rights as other pharmaceutically medicated individuals relating to routine traffic stops, interaction with law enforcement that does not involve an illegal act, employer interaction, and drug testing pertaining to marijuana and its metabolites;
(6) Prohibits the medical use of marijuana when it compromises the health or well-being of another. The smoking of marijuana is prohibited in a school bus, public bus, or other public vehicle; in the workplace; on school grounds; in a correctional facility; or at any public park, public beach, public recreation center, or youth center unless the area is designated for medical marijuana use;
(7) Prohibits the fraudulent representation of the medical use of marijuana to any law enforcement official. A person who violates this provision will be subject to criminal and monetary penalties;
(8) Allows a qualifying patient or a primary caregiver to assert a defense for the medical use of marijuana based on certain conditions;
(9) Requires the Department of Health and Senior Services to develop rules for governing the issuance of registry identification cards. A qualifying patient and primary caregiver are required to submit certain information before receiving the card. Possession of the card by a qualifying patient or a primary caregiver is required;
(10) Requires the department to maintain a confidential list of persons who have been issued a card; and
(11) Requires an organization to register with the department to sell, administer, deliver, dispense, distribute, cultivate, or possess marijuana or related supplies for medicinal use.
Search warrant uncovers marijuana growing operation
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January 21, 2011 4:39 PM
Democrat staff
Two people were arrested Thursday after Sedalia police discovered a marijuana growing operation during the execution of a search warrant at a home on Rainbow Drive.
Members of the Sedalia Police Department’s STING Unit, detectives and patrol officers served the warrant at 135 Rainbow Drive at about 3:15 p.m. Thursday, according to a report from Sedalia police.
Brian J. George, 53, and Steven P. George, 50 — who were at the home when police executed the warrant — were both arrested pending charges of manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia.
During the search, investigators found about 30 marijuana plants in all stages of growth in an upstairs bedroom of the home, which also contained grow lights, an irrigation system and other items used during the cultivation process.
In another bedroom, police discovered a large bag of marijuana, digital scales and other drug paraphernalia, according to the report. Another 12 marijuana plants were found in the basement.
Police also found more marijuana and drug paraphernalia throughout the residence. The total weight of the marijuana seized in the operation was about 4 pounds, according to the police report.
There are so many reasons why I support medical mj/ legalization. Our nation is struggling economically, we need jobs out here!!!! Look at states like CA and CO right now, thriving with medical pot revenue. So many benefits come marijuana…safe alternative medically for certain types of pain/nausea medications (many different medications with various uses, actually.) My father suffers everyday with chronic pain. He is on a daily dose of morphine. When he has been admitted to the hospital since he has been using morphine, and then temporarily goes off of it, I see the withdrawl symtoms, its terrible to watch. I hate pills, and alcohol. Too many bad things come from using them, and most precription drugs do more bad than good. You should see the ongoing lists of hidden side effects some of them carry, sometimes, its fatal. Marijuana has a few side effects…tiredness and boost in appetite. Nothing threatening. I cannot believe how long ago some other states approved medical- CA in 1996, some in 1998 and 2000. Over a decade ago. Why can’t we all be on the same page with this??? So many people could benefit, people like my father. I wwould love nothing more to see him taken off drugs that cause him to shake and sweat from withdrawl when hes off of them. A plant so beautiful bearing seeds was meant for us to enjoy, seek relief naturally. Truly mother natures gift of medicine, in so many ways. Please get medical mj to Missouri!! Thank you kindly for reading!
i am a disabled veteran on social security, diagnosed with ptsd. i am unable to earn a liveing at my profession anymore, and have been hospitalised recently for attempting suicide. i was takeing the drug symbalta for deppresion and anxiety, with disaserous results. upon discharge from the phychiatric ward, my spendown went to $1012.00/ month. My average maintanance care was over 2/3 of my income. I have lost 50 lbs in the last two months because i can’t afford to eat, let alone feed the medical system by utilising medication that is frought with side effects that make life not worth liveing. several days ago the sting unit served a search warrant obtained on hearsay (not meeting the burden of proof nessasarry) they found ten plants, and arrested me. 24 hrs later i was turned loose, with the expectation that i would sacrifice some one else to save my own ass. i have gotten high before with the arresting officer. i am now in mexico, where i will be until i die. death is a better option than being in the custody of the state of missouri, and haveing to live in the same conditions as the animal shelter provides for treating my illness with the only substance that provide any relief. the officers missed the pills in the medicine cabinet, which are three times what i almost died from. at this point the question is, can i go on any longer with so many assholes being in charge of my happiness?
I think that we need all the help we can get. I have a few months left to live. I have lymphona and could use a toke for the pain. I don’t understand why I don’t have the right to do everything I can to try to die without pain. I have also found that it helps with my wanting to eat. I have lost several pounds because of this cancer, I have little to no desire to eat. I really could use the help that medical marijuana could provide. I hope that all the goverment gets cancer so maybe they would change their minds. It’s always different when the shoe is on the other foot. Please wake up a support the movement to leagalize medical marijuana. I will die before any changes can take place, but I dont want others to suffer as much as I have had to.