My question involves criminal law for the state of: Missouri

Last night a friend and I were each given two tickets on misdemeanor charges for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. I am 18 and live in the city of Columbia which is pretty light on weed charges, but I would like to know what I should do in order to get the charges dropped. I know a misdemeanor isn't much, but I would like to try my best to get clear of it so it will not affect college and job opportunities down the road. Thank you!