Title:
Bill would reduce Missouri marijuana penalties
Message:
In November, voters in Washington and Colorado surprised the country by passing initiatives to end marijuana prohibition and regulate marijuana like alcohol. That decision has made it possible for elected officials around the country to talk sensibly about marijuana. Even in places like Missouri, marijuana policy reform is no longer seen as a third rail, as evidenced by the introduction of a bill that would remove the possibility of jail time for possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Please urge your legislators to support marijuana penalty reform.
Rep. Rory Ellinger’s bill — co-sponsored by eight other representatives, including a former judge — is modeled after a Columbia ordinance. It caps the penalty for possession of 35 grams or less at a fine of $250 and encourages courts to grant a form of probation that, if successfully completed, would result in no criminal record. Companion legislation would also make it easier to have records of drug-related convictions expunged.
Ellinger isn’t sure what his bill’s chances of passing are, but they’re surely zero unless supporters like you share your support for marijuana reform with your legislators. Many politicians don’t understand how popular marijuana reform is, so please, tell them. When you’re done, forward this to friends and ask them to do the same.
