FAQ

Who can sign this initiative?
Only voters who are registered in the city of Joplin.

How many signatures do you need?
We need 5000 signatures to qualify for the November 2008 ballot.

What would this initiative do?
Upon passage of this initiative, the City of Joplin's Police Dept. would stop arresting people for less than 35 grams of marijuana.  They would instead issue a citation, similar to a traffic ticket, that would be punishable by a fine of $250. It would also make marijuana offenses the city’s lowest police priority – allowing police to focus on serious and violent crime.

Will this mean that more marijuana gets into the hands of kids?
NO. The measure only covers adult marijuana offenses. Selling marijuana to minors is illegal and laws against it would still be enforced under this initiative.

Will this cost the city money?
No. In fact, this measure will save money by reducing the amount of time and resources that police and courts are tied up dealing with nonviolent marijuana offenses. This will free up important city resources for other important city services and allow the police to focus their efforts on violent and serious crime.

Who is behind this intiative? How can I get in touch with them/donate/find out more?
A local group called Sensible Joplin is coordinating the effort. The phone number is 417-291-0135. Check the web site: http://www.sensiblejoplin.org/ for periodic updates.