FAIRWAY, KS (KCTV) — On Tuesday, Missouri voters will decide whether to allow legal sales of cannabis to anyone over the age of 21. The most significant piece of what’s on the ballot as Amendment 2 might not be what becomes legal after it goes into effect but what it does looking back at previous cannabis-related convictions.
KCTV5′s two political analysts – one left-leaning, the other on the right — remarked on just that during our election special today.
“The expungements I think are significant,” said Sly James, former Kansas City mayor turned political consultant.
“The expungements are a part of this that aren’t getting enough attention. That is a big deal,” said conservative talk show host Pete Mundo.
Other states allow for expungement, but it’s something that has to be initiated by the person previously convicted.
“You have to file a petition and initiate legal proceedings,” explained cannabis lawyer Drew Goodwin with Joseph, Hollander & Craft, LLC. “For a lot of people that requires a lawyer and lawyers require money and you have these convictions that go unaddressed.”
If Amendment 2 passes, that expungement would be automatic with court fees paid by the tax revenue from the program. Exceptions include violent offenders and convictions for distribution to a minor or driving under the influence.
Polls show a majority of the Missouri electorate in favor of the amendment. James and Mundo talked about the changing perception behind that, as well as…
