Across the nation, more and more laws regarding the use of cannabis are being created.
In 2012, the enactment of Colorado Amendment 64, concerning the recreational use of cannabis, allowed adults aged 21 and older to grow up to six cannabis plants and legally possess all the cannabis that those plants grow.
Under this amendment, citizens of the proper age can also possess up to one ounce of cannabis while traveling and gift up to one ounce to other citizens of age. Similar drug amendments had been made in Washington with enactment of Washington Initiative 502 that same year.
Since the controversial changes, there has been a push for similar reform in other states. The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws has been a voice for marijuana policy debate since 1970.
The nonprofit organization represents many responsible marijuana users around the country and has several chapters, including one at MU. Dan Viets, a criminal defense attorney and MU alumnus, spoke with the Mizzou chapter of NORML on Friday about cannabis policy.
“NORML is about creating students who are informed about not only policy, but also their own rights,” MU NORML President and senior Benton Berigan said. “NORML is for students who are politically engaged in what’s going on in the community and in the state, whether it’s cannabis related or not. Change doesn’t happen overnight.”
A 40-year veteran of NORML, Viets addressed some of the common myths associated with marijuana and police/civilian interaction.
Viets said people understand what Miranda rights are, but rarely have the wisdom to utilize them and therefore many people can get themselves into trouble by talking when they don’t have to.
Miranda rights are required to be said by the officer after your arrest, but anything you confess before your arrest could also incriminate you or lead to further problems. Additionally, many people underestimate the Fourth Amendment, Viets said.
“The police do not have the authority to access your private possessions or your home without your permission,” Viets said. “Don’t give them your permission.”
Viets said it’s important for university students to understand that their Fourth Amendment rights because the amendment also applies to dorms.
“Your home is the most protected place under the U.S. Constitution,” Viets said. “If the police knock your door you don’t have to open, (because) if they have a warrant they will open the door. Whatever hovel you are living in, if you don’t give (the police) permission to come in and they kick down your door no judge is going to say that’s legal.”
Viets also said social media is dangerous not only for the police who almost have full access to phone records but also for future job opportunities. Additionally, once trash is put out on the curb for collection it becomes “abandoned property” and can be legally accessible for anyone.
The MU policy follows the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and is required to enforce a drug and alcohol prevention program for both students and employees.
Marijuana possession is currently a crime in Missouri. Being found in possession of marijuana can lead to arrest, a fine or possible jail time.
However, policy concerning marijuana in Missouri has been receiving a lot of attention lately. Right now, Missouri has two House bills pending legislation, HB 490, which establishes a medical marijuana pilot program, and HB 800, which allows for marijuana cultivation centers.
“Political change is evolutionary not revolutionary,” Viets said. “Revolutions happen all at once and not very often. Evolution is happening all the time.”