Needless to say, the 2018 midterm election has proven to be one massive turning point in the fight for marijuana legalization across the country. During that time, Michigan became the 10th state to legalize recreational use of the little green plant, while Utah also permitted medical marijuana (a huge step, considering the rough road to victory through Proposition 2). One other state that emerged victoriously is Missouri, which has also legalized medical cannabis, but the Show-Me-State might be “showing” more promise for the marijuana community as of this week. On Tuesday, Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker (Jackson Country, Missouri) released an announcement that her office would no longer prosecute marijuana-related offenses (right on the heel of the midterm election). However, Prosecutor Baker attributes this event to the confusion surrounding the three issues that appeared on the ballot. Let’s take a closer look and find out what happened.
Confusing Case for Cannabis
Overall, the confusion surrounding this legal matter is expected, given the fact that Missouri boasted one of the most bizarre ballots in midterm election history. Initially, voters approved Amendment 2 (with three out of four votes stemming from Jackson County alone), which allows medical cannabis cultivation and initiates a 4% tax on the plant.
In a recent interview, Baker stated that widespread support for Amendment 2 contributed to her desire to end the prosecution of marijuana-related offenses. Likewise, jurors, in general, had shown more reluctance towards convicting people for possessing, growing, or using pot. Regardless, though, Baker has emphasized how cases involving large quantities of money and bags and subsequently large transactions of money will still continue to be prosecuted.
Support from Law Enforcement
Recently, Darryl Forté (Jackson County Sheriff) has supported Baker’s progressive approach. Furthermore, he explained how his department would initiate similar moves, based on the principles established by the prosecutor’s office. As events progress, Sheriff Forté will continue to edit his guidelines based on the changes initiated by Baker. For now, the office will watch and wait.
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