March 2019

by Dee Wampler, attorney, former prosecutor, and author of eight books and 300 articles for law enforcement journals.

Missouri was the 32nd state to legalize “medical” marijuana, even though marijuana is illegal at the federal level. Additionally, nine states and Washington, D.C. have legalized cannabis for recreational use. Missourians approved the ballot initiative by 65 percent, and now await new rules by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Patients can purchase medical marijuana at 192 state dispensaries. A Marijuana Card Application for Certification (not to be confused with a prescription) and Marijuana Growing Applications will be available in August 2019. Patients may grow six plants and caregivers up to 18 plants.

By 2020, doctors may treat nine chronic debilitating conditions such as epilepsy, PTSD, Multiple Sclerosis, cancer, AIDS, migraines, Parkinson, Tourette, glaucoma or other conditions if certified by two physicians that medical pot may treat a chronic condition more effectively and serve as a safer alternative than other prescription medication.

The new law DOES NOT change existing laws concerning driving while impaired, negligent intoxication, or employment termination and discipline. Using cannabis in a vehicle is strictly prohibited for drivers and passengers just like alcohol. It is illegal to distribute or sell.

Truckers will flunk Department of Transportation tests, and heavy equipment operators, Uber or LYFT drivers, even pizza delivery drivers will be affected. Pilots, ship captains, train engineers, subway engineers, aircraft maintenance personnel, pipeline personnel, school bus drivers may be caught by surprise.

A Commercial Driver’s License driver may not consume cannabis. The law considers truck drivers with any trace of marijuana in their system as impaired. The main intoxicating ingredient in cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is detectable up to 30 days after use, for which a driver will be removed immediately.

As to guns and marijuana — you cannot have both! Missourians cannot have a medical marijuana certificate and possess a firearm. ATF Federal Rules prohibit “unlawful users or those addicted to” and there is no exception for medical grow.

Nonetheless, the social stigma of both medical and recreational marijuana use is systematically being erased. A massive, silent cultural revolution has occurred revealing a deepening moral and spiritual breakdown. Our popular culture has become more violent, vulgar, cynical, remorseless, depressed, and devious. Increasingly, we refuse to judge others even if their behavior is destructive, sinful, and morally wrong.

Be faithful! A decision by judges or voters has absolutely no impact on God’s immutable, eternal truths. Our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit and we are to glorify Him in our bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

https://eagleforum.org/publications/efr/mar19/show-me-the-pot-effect.html?fbclid=IwAR1EpktUKlS_2t1gHdgwszH0wPx07DGzBJH34azVr_E3ReswvbSZWCr_Zvg#.XJD9fBgq4H0.facebook