Aaron Malin, Show-Me Cannabis Researcher ★ 016

Today we sat down with Aaron Malin, Director of Research for Show-Me Cannabis. We discuss his experience covering protests in Ferguson, MO for Reason Magazine. Aaron told us he was troubled by the tactics the police were using during protests following the non-indictment of Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown. Aaron said that, among other things, he saw police attention focused on groups of loud but relatively peaceful protesters as looters ransacked businesses and destroyed property just a short distance away. He also talks about the incredible displays of force by police and National Guard personnel. Aaron also told us about his research work with Show-Me Cannabis, a Missouri group that aims to legalize cannabis in 2016. Aaron has recently been focused on researching the various Drug Task Forces in the state of Missouri. Another of his projects is to identify if and when taxpayer funds have been used to illegally campaign against cannabis reform efforts and to ensure the practice stops. Aaron does most of his research using data he obtains via open records requests. Under the Missouri Sunshine Law, information about taxpayer-funded agencies must be made available upon request. Aaron walks us through the process of how to submit a Sunshine Law request in Missouri and shares a few of the more interesting things he's found in his research.