Martinsburg hosted the latest Audrain County municipalities meeting on  Monday, Jan. 30 at the Modern Woodsman building.

Audrain County Associate Commissioner Leslie Meyer presented some do's and don’ts about the new law with Feb. 6 coming up next week. That is when dispensaries in Missouri are expected to be licensed and legal adult recreational use will go into effect in the Show-Me State. Licenses will be split among eight congressional districts with the first ones being given by Oct. 6.

Missouri voters approved Amendment 3 in November to legalize marijuana use in private homes for adults 21 and over.

"Marijuana consumption in public won't be permitted," Meyer told the audience. Shops can not be located next to schools, churches or licensed daycare facilities. Meyer said the dispensaries can advertise, however typically must follow what alcohol companies adhere to.

"If you take federal money you are a drug-free workplace," said Meyer.

She also told municipality leaders that there were city laws and ordinances that could be put into place to help regulate the new marijuana law. For example it's still against the law to use marijuana in parks, if the city passes an ordinance against. It is illegal to use marijuana while walking along sidewalks, and in schools, both private and public. Missouri Amendment 3 does permit use in private residences for those 21 and older.

For more information about adult recreational marijuana use log onto health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis.

The next Audrain County Municipalities meeting will be held in Laddonia on March 20.