Three different measures will be on the Missouri ballot on Nov. 6, each of which carries different results for the medical marijuana program proposed for the state. Even if all three pass, only one will make it to law.
Amendment 2 and Amendment 3, as well as Proposition C, are ready for residents to make their choice. Any of the three will mean a step forward for medical marijuana in Missouri, but each proposal has a different suggestion for taxation and the governing body for the medical marijuana program.
Amendment 2 would set the tax on marijuana at 4%. It also permits growth of cannabis by marijuana patients themselves, provides revenue for the treatment of veterans and others with medical needs and sets the Department of Health as the regulator for all financial aspects of the medical marijuana program.
Amendment 3, meanwhile, would mean a higher tax of 15% and focuses on creating a centre for marijuana research. This proposal would create a governing board, with Dr. Brad Bradshaw at the helm.
Finally, Proposition C has the lowest proposed sales tax for medical marijuana at 2%. The measure would also allocate funds for assisting veterans and others with medical needs. The measure also stipulates setting funds aside for education and public safety. With Proposition C, the program would be under the management of the Division of Liquor Control.
No matter how the vote goes, approval for any of the three measures would mean medical marijuana is a go in Missouri. However, each measure would mean different outcomes for the control of the program and the amount of tax levied on the marijuana itself.
Missouri would be the 32nd state to approve some form of medical marijuana programming for patients with chronic pain and various other debilitating illnesses. The US as a whole is behind the idea of marijuana legalization, with the latest Pew Research study showing 62% approval for the idea of legalization. However, this particular vote is left to Missouri residents.
Proponents for the various measures list the benefits for interested listeners, touting the creation of new jobs, support for first responders, and supporting state veterans with surplus funds left over as the potential benefits of the different ways to vote.
About Author
The opinions provided in this article are those of the author and do not constitute investment advice. Readers should assume that the author and/or employees of Grizzle hold positions in the company or companies mentioned in the article. For more information, please see our Content Disclaimer.