Missouri Clears Nearly 100,000 Cannabis Convictions, Embracing Historic Reform and Justice

LOS ANGELES- Missouri has made significant strides in criminal justice reform related to cannabis, as reported by KMBC 9. Following the approval of an adult-use cannabis constitutional amendment by voters last year, the state has expunged nearly 100,000 convictions, marking a considerable advance in its legal approach to cannabis offenses.

Under the new law, most misdemeanor cannabis convictions were to be expunged by June 8. This excludes cases involving offenders still under incarceration or supervision by the Department of Corrections. Additionally, the law mandates that felony cannabis convictions be expunged by December 8.

Dan Viets, a key contributor to the drafting of the constitutional amendment, expressed to KMBC 9 that while state officials have not fully met the deadlines set by the law, the ongoing efforts are in good faith to comply with its mandates. Viets emphasized the scale of the challenge, noting, “We’re dealing with a century of marijuana prohibition in Missouri. So, there are hundreds of thousands of cases.” He also mentioned that if communities fail to actively work on these expungements, legal actions, such as lawsuits, could be a possibility.

John Mueller, co-owner of 31 Greenlight Dispensary stores, including 15 in Missouri, highlighted the positive economic impact of adult-use cannabis sales. He pointed out that the tax revenue generated from these sales benefits municipalities and the state, and can be allocated to support the expungement process. Mueller expressed pride in the industry’s role in achieving this reform, particularly its inclusion in the state Constitution.

The expungement of cannabis-related convictions in Missouri represents a significant policy shift, acknowledging the changing perspectives on cannabis use and its legal implications. The move not only rectifies past convictions but also aligns with the growing acceptance and legalization of cannabis in various parts of the United States. This initiative also demonstrates how the cannabis industry’s growth can positively contribute to societal and legal reforms, particularly in terms of criminal justice.