Recreational marijuana ballot measure could expunge non-violent convictions

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ.)

Missourians will have the chance to vote on legalizing the recreational use of marijuana.

If the recreational use of the drug is passed, some non-violent marijuana convictions will be expunged in the state. Charges will likely stick for those who've been charged with driving under the influence or people who have been charged with possessing more than three pounds of marijuana.

The ballot racked success after receiving enough signatures in August. And now it's almost time for Missourians to vote on legalizing the drug in November.

If it's passed, Cole County Prosecuting Attorney Locke Thompson said a dismissal would most likely come pretty quick for people with pending charges but it could take a little longer for an expungement.

"It would give people the ability to get the charge expunged if it's already on their record, however that's still a process," Thompson said. "There is litigation that needs to be done on that and so I guess it would depend on how much a prosecutor really wanted to fight that."

David Redzzi -- store manager for Hippo's Marijuana Dispensary in Springfield -- said he currently knows a few people working at Hippo's who have misdemeanor marijuana charges. He believes recreational legalization and expungement is a step in the right direction. 

"I definitely think that it will change that outlook on it from a community standpoint," Redzzi said. "People won't be viewing people that had these pre-existing charges as criminals any longer... so the stigma is definitely going to be broken."

And although getting a second chance will be rewarding for many, Thompson says expunging charges could create more work for courts and prosecutors

"I would anticipate we're going to see courthouses getting inundated with requests for or filings for an expungement of an old marijuana charge," Thompson said.