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RSMo 579.015effective 28 Aug 2016

Possession or control of a controlled substance

In plain English

It is against the law to knowingly have a controlled substance without permission. Having most controlled substances is a class D felony. Having more than 10 grams but no more than 35 grams of marijuana is a smaller crime called a class A misdemeanor. Having 10 grams or less of marijuana is an even smaller crime, but if the person has been in trouble for drug offenses before, it becomes a class A misdemeanor. If someone claims they were allowed to have the substance, it is their job to prove it in court.

Penalties named in this law
class D felonyup to 7 years in prison
class A misdemeanorup to 1 year in jail
class D misdemeanorfine only (no jail)

Classifications stated in the statute. Actual outcomes vary.

Word-for-word law

579.015. Possession or control of a . — 1. A person commits the of possession of a controlled substance if he or she possesses a controlled substance, except as by this chapter or chapter 195.

2. The offense of possession of any controlled substance except thirty-five grams or less of marijuana or any is a .

3. The offense of possession of more than ten grams but thirty-five grams or less of marijuana or any synthetic cannabinoid is a .

4. The offense of possession of not more than ten grams of marijuana or any synthetic cannabinoid is a . If the has previously been of any offense of the laws related to of this state, or of the United States, or any state, territory, or , the offense is a class A misdemeanor. shall be in the same manner as required by section 558.021.

5. In any , , or , and in any brought for the of any of this chapter or chapter 195, it shall not be necessary to include any , excuse, , or contained in this chapter or chapter 195, and the of any such exception, excuse, proviso or exemption shall be upon the defendant.

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Source & history notes

(L. 1989 S.B. 215 & 58, A.L. 2010 H.B. 1472, A.L. 2011 H.B. 641, A.L. 2014 S.B. 491, A.L. 2016 H.B. 2332) Transferred 2014; formerly 195.202; Effective 1-01-17

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Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.

RSMo 579.015: Possession or control of a controlled substance | KnowMo Laws