West Plains, MO. – On November 8, 2022, Missouri voters approved the passage of a constitutional amendment ending the prohibition on recreational marijuana on citizens over the age of 21. Many citizens, especially those who voted against Amendment 3, are wondering what happens next and Ozark Radio News is looking to answer those questions.
When will the law go into effect?
Don’t be in a hurry to light up a doobie. The new law won’t go into effect until December 8, 2022. Until that time, the current laws remain in effect and could cause some legal troubles in the meantime.
When will people over the age of 21 be able to buy recreational marijuana?
Missourians, ages 21 and older, will be able to purchase recreational marijuana and marijuana-derived products on February 6, 2023.
What happens now with people who have convictions and criminal charges dealing with marijuana?
Those persons who have nonviolent marijuana charges, except those charged with DWI or selling to minors, who are not currently in jail are to have their record reviewed and expunged by June 8 of next year.
And what about those people currently in jail or prison for pot charges?
These persons will not have their charges automatically dropped but, they can petition to be released, or removed from parole, and have their record expunged.
Will I be able to smoke marijuana in public or is it treated like alcohol and technically illegal in public?
Smoking pot will be prohibited wherever smoking tobacco is. People will not be allowed to use or possess marijuana on the property of any public or private school.
Will it be illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana?
Driving under the influence of marijuana will be treated in the same way that driving drunk is: DWI charges. Currently, there is no breath-based test to check to see if someone is under the influence of weed. There is no test for THC-levels like there is for blood-alcohol content.
What will happen to people using Medical Marijuana?
Amendment 3 extends the amount of time that medical marijuana cards are good for. Until now, these cards would be good for one year. Following the passage of Amendment 3, the cards are now good for three years and new cards will remain at $25
If you have more questions on the election or the new laws, we encourage you to speak with your local elected officials or email us at News@OzarkMarketingCompany.com.
