Missouri: Just say NO to criminalizing public consumption!

The Missouri General Assembly is considering SB1187, which would re-criminalize the public consumption of cannabis. Law enforcement would be able to arrest people solely for public consumption, even for non-smoked methods of consumption. The bill seeks to create a new Class B misdemeanor carrying up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

If you live in Missouri, tell your legislators that Missourians voted to end cannabis prohibition, not create new ways to incarcerate people!

Missouri law already prohibits the consumption of cannabis in public, but with a much more proportionate penalty. A first offense carries a civil fine of up to $100, and subsequent offenses may have higher fines, but no jail time. These penalties are what the voters passed in Amendment 3, which legalized cannabis in 2022. The current penalties reflect the values of a majority of Missourians. Their will deserves to be respected.