Missouri's implementation of medical marijuana has been a hot topic of discussion at several recent meetings COMBAT has held with law enforcement officials, school administrators, program providers and concerned citizens. To help answer questions and explore the possible ramifications associated with legalizing marijuana use, COMBAT has posted this in-depth series on jacksoncountycombat.com, covering topics ranging from federal guidelines to the dangers overeating marijuana edibles pose.

An Opportunity For Some, But For Others Cause For Concern

Dr. Kelvin Walls, a COMBAT Commissioner, supports the legalizaton of medical marijuana, saying, "For some people it is the correct medicine to prescribe."

And in 2018 Missourians overwhelmingly approved a state constitutional amendment legalizing the medical use of marijuana. Now Jackson County leads the state in the number of applications to grow, manufacture and dispense medical marijuana.

But what is clearly seen as an opportunity by some is cause for concern by others. Some of the strongest research about marijuana's medical benefits has focused on treating children. Other studies, however, have shown that regular marijuana use can stunt the development of a teenager's brain. >> MORE

“Legalizing medical marijuana is the right thing to do for the people who can benefit from it.”

Part 2

How Close Is Too Close?

As the state establishes regulations for medical marijuana, cities are given the option to shorten the 1,000-foot buffer zone between dispensaries and schools, daycares and churches. And that's exactly what the Kansas City Council decides to do, shortening the distance to 300 feet.

St. Louis goes further, eliminating the buffer entirely.

Proximity to schools is but one concern. Studies about the relationships between marijuana dispensaries and crime rates vary significantly. Local officials are sorting through this conflicting information as they prepare for dispensaries opening in Jackson County next year. >> MORE

“I do worry about people being preyed on as they come in and out of the dispensaries. They’re going to be carrying cash. Going out they may be carrying marijuana. Either way, going in or out, these people could be targeted.”

Part 3

When State & Federal Laws Clash

Missouri has joined 32 other states that have legalized medical marijuana. Despite two-thirds of states now legalizing the drug’s use for medical purposes, the federal government still classifies cannabis as being a dangerous drug like heroin.

President Trump has said marijuana legalization “should be left up to the states.” Official federal policies, however, remain in place that prohibit most marijuana dispensaries from banking their proceeds, and due to HUD regulations, people living in federally-subsidized housing may risk eviction if they use medical marijuana.

Meanwhile, those operating programs for recovering drug addicts worry about medical marijuana's possible negative influence, although some physician have advocated using cannabis to help treat opioid addiction. >> MORE

“Medical marijuana is a huge concern for those of us who are providing housing for people with substance use disorders.”

Part 4

'This Stuff Ain't Candy'

Many marijuana edibles appeal to the sweet tooth (cookies, brownies, candy, etc.). That might make eating just a little and stopping difficult.

“Who eats just one Gummy Bear?”

Also, the THC in an edible takes longer to enter the bloodstream. Because they aren’t “feeling it,” people have often made the mistake of then eating more.

When the THC does kick in, an hour or two later, the effect can be dramatic and even deadly: panic attacks, hallucinations, psychotic episodes, respiratory insufficiency. In one notorious Colorado case, a 19-year-old jumped to his death after eating infused cookies, and his official autopsy report listed "marijuana intoxication" as the primary contributing factor. >> MORE

“As my paranoia deepened, I became convinced that I had died and no one was telling me.”

Marijuana as an alternative to pain pills

Part 5

Connection Or Coincidence?

When states started legalizing marijuana, the nation’s overdose rate began to rise.

Obviously, there must be a correlation between decriminalizing marijuana and the OD crisis, right?

But haven’t studies shown states with legalized marijuana have fewer opioid overdoses than states still outlawing pot?

How can that be true, though, if Colorado really has the third highest rate of drug addiction in the nation? Or is the 12th highest?

HOLD IT! Doesn't a state that still bans marijuana entirely have the country's highest overdose death rate?

Separating hyperbole from fact is not easy when it comes to cannabis laws and attitudes. >> MORE

“We don’t think cannabis was saving lives 10 years ago, and we don’t think it’s killing people now.”

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