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Missouri Cannabis Education
What Are The Most Prominent Consumer-Facing Issues In The Cannabis Sector ?
by Leah Maurer , contributing writer
Leah
Leah Maurer , a native Missourian , is now a canna-journalist and activist living in Portland , OR . She is a co-owner of www . TheWeedBlog . com , a top national cannabis news and information publication , where she serves as the Editorial Lead . In 2014 , Leah founded Moms for YES on Measure 91 through grassroots efforts alone , it proved pivotal in the passage of the Measure , successfully legalizing recreational / adult-use cannabis in the OR . Leah is a social justice and cannabis activist at the core and hopes to see an end to the prohibition of cannabis globally .
12 May 2024
As we consider the landscape of the cannabis market in the U . S . and all of the options on the table federally , especially in regards to rescheduling cannabis and all the things that may change at the state level in Missouri because of that , it is important to note that there will always need to be ongoing advocacy from cannabis consumers to ensure the plant is accessible for all , regardless of the current regulations around its sale . There are many topics and policy pieces to be aware of as cannabis consumers . I see there being three ( and four if you are a parent to minors ) as the most crucial in terms of ongoing advocacy for consumers and medical marijuana patients as the cannabis movement continues to grow and evolve .
Home Grow Restrictions
One would think that any state that legalizes medical or adult use would allow for home grows . However , in states like Washington and Missouri , residents face hurdles in growing cannabis at home due to strict regulations . While alcohol brewing at home is free from such constraints , cannabis cultivation requires permits and adherence to tracking systems , posing legal risks for individuals . In Missouri , the regulations disallow anyone trying to home-grow cannabis plants in their yard near vegetable or flower gardens in the same way that residents in other states are allowed to grow . These examples in states that have seemingly more advanced cannabis policies in place are proof that home grows are something we , as consumers , will need to continue to advocate for as we learn about proposals for cannabis laws and hitting the voting booths .
Social Consumption Spaces
Unlike alcohol or tobacco , there ’ s a lack of designated areas for cannabis consumption in most U . S . states . Despite more states legalizing cannabis , the issue persists , affecting both adult use and medical consumers , limiting access , and impacting public health . For medical marijuana patients , this issue goes beyond frustration because it actually inhibits their access to consumption when they have a medical need for cannabis per their doctor ’ s recommendation .
Consumers who live in places where smoking is not allowed ( apartment complexes , subsidized housing , etc .) or who live with others ( whether that be young children or elderly relatives ) who cannot tolerate cannabis smoke or vapor are required to consume their medicine ( cannabis ) outside of their residence , risking trouble with law enforcement and / or criminal infractions . Actually , Missouri has more progressive laws around social consumption than many other states with adult use legalization , but this is still an issue that consumers will need to keep on their radar as things continue to move along with the market and policy .
Workplace Drug Testing
Despite legalization , workplace drug testing remains prevalent , posing privacy concerns and risking civil liberties for responsible cannabis users . Such tests are intrusive , unreliable , and fail to measure on-the-job impairment accurately , affecting morale and productivity . In states where cannabis is legalized , whether for medical use or adult use , drug testing in the workplace presents itself as a fundamental infringement on the civil liberties of employees .