A person is allowed to have a controlled substance (like prescription drugs) if a doctor or other licensed medical professional legally prescribed it to them, or if the law otherwise allows it. If someone is charged with illegally having a controlled substance, it is that person's job to prove they had a legal reason for having it — the government does not have to prove they didn't have a legal excuse.
579.107. , when — of any or upon . — 1. A person may lawfully possess or have under his or her control a if he or she obtained the controlled substance directly from, or , a or 's issued in the course of a practitioner's professional practice or except as otherwise by this chapter or chapter 195.
2. In any , , or , and in any brought for the of any of this chapter or chapter 195, it shall not be necessary to any exception, excuse, , or exemption, contained in this chapter or chapter 195, and the burden of proof of any such exception, excuse, proviso or exemption, shall be upon the defendant.
(RSMo 1939 § 9849, A.L. 1989 S.B. 215 & 58, A.L. 2014 S.B. 491)
Transferred 2014; formerly 195.180; Effective 1-01-17
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Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.