The issue of marijuana use is back on the ballot this fall. A decision must be made regarding the recreational use of marijuana. The Missouri Secretary of State Ashcroft announced that enough signatures had been collected to place the measure on the fall ballot. Moreover, he urges voters to read the initiative carefully, as it is not a simple decision.
Proposal Highlights
- Removes states prohibitions on purchasing, possessing, consuming, using, delivering, manufacturing, and selling marijuana for adults over age 21
- Requires a state registration card for personal cultivation with prescribed limits
- Allows persons with certain marijuana-related non-violent offenses to petition for release
- Establishes a lottery selection to process licenses and certificates
- Issues equally distributed licenses to each congressional district
- Imposes a 6% tax on the retail price [1]
Who Sponsored The Ballot
Legal Missouri sponsored the ballot. They say they acquired the number of signatures necessary to make a ballot. This group claims that local governments will receive an annual revenue of at least $13.8 million.
Pros Of The Ballot
Some groups claim that additional funds will be available through tax revenue from the sale of this drug.
Cons Of The Legalization
While medical use of marijuana is used for various medical patients, its use for recreation can lead to worse habits. Marijuana affects thinking and memory, increases accidents, and may lead to cancer [2] or even stronger addictions.
To read the proposal in its entirety, you can click here. Missourians must decide for themselves whether recreational marijuana is more beneficial than harmful, despite the fact that it is legal in 19 other states.
Do the benefits of increasing tax revenues outweigh the damage to county residents’ minds caused by drug use? The November election will determine the outcome.
Notes:
- ^https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/2022/08/09/marijuana-use-clearing-cannabis-crimes-nov-8-ballot-recreational-missouri-legalize/10277162002/ (go back ↩)
- ^https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-medical-marijuana-1132484#:~:text=Summary,lungs%20and%20lead%20to%20cancer. (go back ↩)
