A state emergency rule, filed by the Department of Social Services last week, allows foster parents to legally grow and possess marijuana at home. However, cannabis consumed in a way that produces smoke or vapor is not permitted inside the home.
Missouri voters will vote in November 2022 on Amendment 3, which legalizes and regulates marijuana for adults over 21. This initiative allows the purchase and possession up to 3 ounces and the growing of six mature plants, provided they register. Foster parents were not allowed to exercise these rights until Monday.
According to a statement that was attached to the text of the rule, the changes to the state rule regarding “physical and environment standards” for foster care were made on an urgent basis because the current policy was in contradiction with the constitutional amendment approved by voters.
It says that “Rule 13 of CSR 35-60.040 currently prohibits foster parents from using or possessing marijuana or marijuana-infused product.” “A regulation which is in conflict with the Missouri Constitution, is invalid.”
The change will expire on February 23, 2019.
The rule states that foster parents must store marijuana in a manner “so that it is inaccessible for children”, similar to how matches, medications, or alcohol are stored. In addition, anyone who wants to grow cannabis themselves must do it “in a locked, enclosed facility,” as required by law.
Caitlin whaley , a spokesperson for Social Services, told The St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the new rule was intended to protect foster children.
She said that this was to protect foster children from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Foster parents are allowed to smoke tobacco and marijuana outside of the foster home, but not while driving a child or in their presence.
Researchers from the University of Mississippi published a study last year that found that legalization of marijuana led to a minimum of a 10% decline of foster care admissions.
In Missouri, the State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick began an investigation into Missouri’s marijuana program. He has pledged to determine whether the state’s marijuana program is being run “in an efficient, transparent and accountable manner.”
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The article Missouri foster parents may now legally possess and grow marijuana in their homes under new emergency rule first appeared on Marijuana moment.
