IS MARIJUANA POSSESSION LEGAL IN MISSOURI?

Over the last few years, Missouri’s marijuana laws have changed dramatically, leaving many Kansas City residents confused about what is and isn’t legal. While medical and recreational marijuana have both been legalized in Missouri under certain conditions, that doesn’t mean you can possess as much as you want or smoke anywhere you please.

If you’re asking, “Is marijuana possession legal in Missouri?” the answer is yes — but only within strict limits. Possessing too much, or using it in the wrong place, can still land you with fines, criminal charges, and a permanent record.

If you’re facing drug possession charges in Missouri, call KC Defense Counsel immediately. Our experienced Missouri drug possession defense lawyers can help.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN MISSOURI

In 2018, Missouri voters approved medical marijuana, allowing patients with qualifying conditions to use cannabis with a state-issued card. Patients can purchase from licensed dispensaries and are allowed to grow a limited number of plants for personal use.

However:

• Patients must have a valid medical marijuana card.
• Exceeding possession limits can still result in criminal charges.
• Sharing or selling medical marijuana outside the program is illegal.

RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION IN MISSOURI

In November 2022, Missouri voters approved Amendment 3, which legalized recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older. As of 2023:

• Adults can legally possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana for personal use.
• Recreational marijuana can only be purchased from licensed dispensaries.
• Adults may also apply for a license to grow up to 6 flowering plants, 6 non-flowering plants, and 6 clones for personal use.

What is Still Illegal in Missouri?: Even though recreational use is now legal, there are important restrictions:

• Possession over 3 ounces: Anything above the legal limit is a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the amount.
• Unlicensed sales or distribution: Selling marijuana without a license is still a felony.
• Public consumption: You cannot smoke in public places, including parks, sidewalks, or vehicles.
• Driving under the influence: Driving while high is treated like driving drunk and can result in DWI charges.
• Underage possession: Only adults 21 and older can legally possess marijuana.

Violating these restrictions can lead to criminal charges, fines, and jail time.

PENALTIES FOR ILLEGAL POSSESSION

Missouri law still imposes strict penalties if you exceed the legal possession limits:

• More than 3 ounces but less than 35 grams: Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $2,000 fine.
• 35 grams or more: Felony charges, with penalties ranging from 4 years to 10 years in prison, depending on the amount.

This means even with legalization, the difference between a legal amount and a criminal amount is critical.

WHY YOU STILL NEED AN EXPERIENCED KANSAS CITY POSSESSION ATTORNEY

Even though marijuana is legal in Missouri under certain circumstances, the rules are complex, and mistakes can lead to serious charges. For example:

• Being caught with marijuana in a federal park or on federal property (like near courthouses or post offices) can result in federal charges, since marijuana is still illegal under federal law.
• Being accused of driving under the influence of marijuana can result in DWI charges, license suspension, and a criminal record.
• Having more than the legal limit, or growing without proper authorization, can lead to felony possession charges.

An trusted Kansas City criminal defense attorney can help by challenging the evidence, negotiating reduced charges, and protecting your rights in court.

At KC Defense Counsel, we’ve helped clients across Kansas City navigate Missouri’s evolving marijuana laws. Whether you’ve been accused of possession, distribution, or marijuana-related DWI, our experienced defense attorneys can fight to protect your record and your future.

• Marijuana is legal in Missouri for adults 21+ and for medical patients but only in limited amounts.
• Adults can legally possess up to 3 ounces recreationally.
• Exceeding limits, selling without a license, or smoking in public can still lead to criminal charges.
• Marijuana is still illegal under federal law, even if Missouri allows it.
• An affordable Missouri criminal defense lawyer in Kansas City is essential if you’re facing marijuana-related charges.

The sooner you have a skilled criminal defense lawyer on your side, the stronger your case will be. At KC Defense Counsel, we have the experience, resources, and determination to fight for the best possible results in your case. We’ve helped thousands of people across Kansas City and Missouri defend their rights…now let us help you.

If you’re facing marijuana charges in Missouri, don’t take chances. Call KC Defense Counsel for a free case evaluation and get the legal defense you need today.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland,  Drexel, Fairview,  Ferrelview,  Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview,  Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill,  Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy,  Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact our experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers near me in Missouri and let us help begin building your defense. Let us help.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult qualified counsel regarding your unique situation.