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.
Classifications stated in the statute. Actual outcomes vary.
579.015. 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
Related Missouri laws
Delivery of a controlled substance
RSMo 579.020
Delivery of a controlled substance causing serious physical injury, offense of
RSMo 579.021
Delivery of a controlled substance causing death, offense of
RSMo 579.022
Distribution of controlled substance in a protected location
RSMo 579.030
Unlawful distribution, delivery, or sale of drug paraphernalia
RSMo 579.040
Drug masking product, unlawful distribution, delivery, or sale of
RSMo 579.041
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.