The Advocate Series: Dan Viets
photo by Chris Smith
“My mission is to bring truth and enlightenment to those who have the idea that marijuana is somehow a threat to them. We need to assure those who will never use cannabis that they have no reason to be worried about those of us who do.” – Dan Viets
Who is Dan Viets?
Dan Viets is an attorney and marijuana law reform activist. His list of titles and credentials is almost as long as his list of accomplishments and experiences. He has been actively involved in the pursuit for legalization of marijuana for the better part of the last five decades.
He is President of New Approach Missouri; Missouri NORML Coordinator; Secretary, NORML national Board of Directors; Chair, NORML Foundation Board of Directors; and Chair of Missouri Cannabis Industry Association Board of Directors, a practicing criminal defense attorney, and was selected by Missouri Lawyers Media as one of the 2019 Lawyers of the Year for advocacy leading to the legalization of medical marijuana in Missouri.
Viets has spent most of his life as the man championing for marijuana in the Bible Belt. Before Woody Harrelson in the 90’s and Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart at the turn of this century, there was a young attorney in the Midwest that was the scourge of misinformation, prohibition, and stereotypes.
“It is always a challenge to combine activism and making a living. I went to law school because I was inspired by many lawyers who are also activists, with NORML, and other groups. I find that combining the practice of law with public advocacy and activism is a logical and useful approach. It is always a challenge to overcome the decades of prejudice which government propaganda has created in the minds of many regarding marijuana and those who use it.”
“In 1973, I was President of the University of Missouri-Columbia student body. I attended a National Student Association conference in Washington, D.C. The first national conference of NORML took place that same weekend in D.C. I had an opportunity to meet Keith Stroup, the founder of NORML, and that began my lifelong activism for marijuana law reform.”
Viets speaks highly of everyone when asked, but there are few he holds in more regard than Keith Stroup,in particular and Ethan Nadelmann, founder of the Drug Policy Alliance, whom Viets counts among his, “inspirations and role models.”
Are you an advocate or an activist?
“Advocacy is taking on a cause and trying to persuade others to a certain point of view. Activism means actively participating in the public debate and discussion and promoting a political position,” Viets sees himself as both. “Because cannabis is widely used by people who do not deserve to be treated like criminals. This is especially true of those who need cannabis as medicine, but also true of all adults who use cannabis responsibly.”
Through the years Viets has battled more than the law and reefer madness, he has also battled against social stigma and negative perception. “When I came to college, I realized that people who use cannabis are generally very bright, energetic, creative, and fun to be around!” The stereotypical “stoner” seen in movies and television can be harmful in it’s own way. As society moved away from the notion that smoking or consuming cannabis turned you into a crazed, violent threat, there needed to be new deterrent. The lazy, often dumb, “burnout” was born. But the reality is, like any other substance cannabis users come in all shapes and sizes, all career and passion types, and in all stages of dedication and tenacity.
What’s next for Missouri?
“I am excited about the fact that thousands of patients who have been subjected to persecution and prosecution will now be free to use a relatively harmless substance which provides great relief from symptoms of disease and injury,” Viets says, discussing the implementation of the medical marijuana program in Missouri. But there is more to come Viets says, “I see a continuing struggle with the Missouri General Assembly. I see that, at some point, when the public is ready to accept it, adult use and cultivation will be legalized in our state, as they have been in 11 other states at this point.”
A bit of advice.
“While cannabis remains a prohibited substance, be cautious. It is extremely important not to have the false impression that marijuana is already legal. It is not. People continue to be prosecuted throughout the state of Missouri and across this nation for victimless marijuana offenses. People need to always keep in mind that exercising their Miranda rights is the most important thing to keep in mind when dealing with police officers. Everyone knows they have the right to remain silent, but no one does it! The only thing we should say to a police officer who suspects us of a crime is that we want to speak to an attorney. When one invokes one’s right to legal counsel, every police officer in America knows that he or she should stop asking questions. Never consent to a search. Never allow police officers into your home without a search warrant.”