A constitutional amendment that would allow Missouri voters to decide whether or not to nullify the federal prohibition on marijuana has been introduced in the state house.
House Joint Resolution 86 (HJR86) would allow Missouri voters to decide whether or not to legalize and regulate marijuana within state limits. It was introduced by Rep. Brandon Ellington (D-22) on Mar. 31 and has already garnered five co-sponsors.
If enacted, the resolution would permit Missouri residents to use, possess, display, purchase and transport marijuana as long as it is no more than six plants or an ounce in quantity. Residents under the age of 21 would still be forbidden from using the plant. Marijuana cultivators and distributors would be regulated by the state of Missouri.
HJR86 essentially ignores the federal law and court cases that have allowed the costly and disastrous federal war on drugs to persist. In spite of its evident failure, the federal government still incomprehensibly prohibits marijuana for any purpose. Tenth Amendment Center national communications director Mike Maharrey says this clearly violates the Constitution.
“The Constitution delegates no power to the federal government to prohibit marijuana in the states. This power remains with the state governments and the people. Doubt me? Then ask yourself why it required a constitutional amendment to prohibit alcohol. There is no fundamental difference. Hawaii has it right. Let the people decide if they want legalized marijuana. And if they do, the heck with the feds.”
HJR86 is not the only active legislation in Missouri pertaining to marijuana. HB1659 was introduced to legalize the recreational use of the plant. HB1325 was introduced to decriminalize marijuana use. HB1324 and SB951 would legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. All of these important measures are currently dormant, and urgently need the support of Missouri freedom fighters to pass and therefore reduce the harsh impact of the drug war within the state.
TAKE ACTION
For Missouri Residents: Take steps to support HJR86 and other pro-marijuana legislation in MO by clicking HERE.
For Other States: Find out if your state is working to nullify marijuana prohibition by clicking HERE. Then contact your legislators and demand that they support and/or introduce legislation to legalize it in your state!