About the Initiative

Under current Missouri law, people arrested for simple possession of any amount of marijuana can face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1000.

In addition, if a person is arrested for marijuana possession, regardless of the amount, a criminal record is generated — a black mark on his or her record that lingers long after the minor offense and jeopardizes the person's ability to obtain jobs, housing, and school loans.

By passing this initiative, we can put an end to these unjust and costly policies.

What would the Sensible Sentencing marijuana decriminalization initiative do?

  • Amend the current code of ordinances so that adults possessing 35 grams or less of marijuana for personal use would be charged with a civil infraction and fined.

  • Remove the threat of a criminal record for minor marijuana possession charges.

  • Remove the threat of revocation of federal financial aid from students who are arrested for small amounts of marijuana.

  • Save Joplin law enforcement resources that are currently wasted on low-level marijuana possession arrests.

Read the full text of the initiative.