Pro-cannabis rally set for May 29 in Branson

Show-Me Cannabis is hosting a town hall meeting May 29 at Branson RecPlex.

Show-Me Cannabis is an association of organizations and individuals who believe that cannabis prohibition is a failed policy, and regulating cannabis in a manner similar to alcohol would better control the production, distribution and consumption of cannabis than the current criminal market system.

“We were founded in 2011 with the goal of putting an initiative to legalize and regulate cannabis in a manner similar to alcohol,” said Executive Director John Payne. “We wanted to do it in 2012 but we didn’t get enough signatures to have it put on the ballot, but we’ve kept at it and we’re planning another initiative for 2016, and we already have lobbyists in Jefferson City.”

Payne said Show-Me Cannabis is seeking to engage Missourians in a serious, public discussion about the issues associated with the cannabis consumption, including medical cannabis, industrial hemp, public safety and financial analysis in order to address problems associated with the current policy.

The meeting in Branson will highlight current policy and how the group has been working to improve policy, according to Payne. This will give locals the opportunity to learn more about Missouri’s cannabis laws, how they might be reformed and learn about the advantages of legalizing and regulating cannabis like alcohol.

Because there is no legal access to cannabis, last year nearly 30 million Americans met their consumer demand from a federally illegal market, according to Payne.

“Without the accountability and transparency of governmental oversight over this business, violent criminals have complete control of the marijuana market in a manner similar to the days of alcohol prohibition,” he said.

Panelists speaking at this event will include former medical cannabis patient and SWAT raid subject Daryl Bertrand, his wife Trish Bertrand, Payne and several others.

“We want everyone to come out and share their views and opinions on the issue, and it’s mostly a Q-and-A format, but we’re not opposed to a little debating,” Payne said. “We also welcome any local officials who’d like to be a part of the panel, whatever side they’re on.”

Payne said he feels the issue will be on the ballot in 2016, and other states are having the same discussions.

“We’re very confident, with a presidential election coming up, we’ll be able to get it on the ballot,” Payne said. “We’re looking at something similar to what Colorado and Washington state have passed for here in Missouri.”

While Payne said those two states will serve as a model, changes will be made for the Missouri plan,

“We’re not just copying either one of those states because whatever we do has to be right for Missouri,” he said. “We’re looking to those states to see what is working and what isn’t … I’m glad those laws passed and I think they’re both definite improvements over the status quo, but there’s no way they’ll get it exactly right, so we’re looking to improve that and make it better for Missouri.”

Payne said Show-Me Cannabis has started gaining momentum since its inception and there are members of the organization all across Missouri.

“We have board members located throughout the state, but we also have a statewide network of volunteers actively involved in the organization throughout the state,” Payne said. “We also have about 10,000 people on our contact lists and about 40,000 Facebook followers, and that’s a lot.”

The event will be held May 29 at the Branson RecPlex. For more information, visit show-mecannabis.com.

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Pro-cannabis rally set for May 29 in Branson