Medical marijuana initiatives discussed at MU forum
The University of Missouri College Republicans hosted a forum Wednesday evening where several groups will discuss three medical marijuana initiatives on the November general election ballot.
The first will show up as Constitutional Amendment 2 and was sponsored by A New Missouri. It would allow doctors to prescribe medical marijuana to patients with certain conditions that are specified in the amendment, including Parkinson’s and post-traumatic stress disorder. The Department of Health and Senior Services would regulate sales. The state would also impose a 4 percent sales tax. The tax revenue would be used for health and care services for veterans. The Secretary of State’s Office estimates it will bring in about $18 million in revenue for state operating costs and veterans’ programs, as well as $6 million for local governments.
The second is Constitutional Amendment 3, also known as the Bradshaw Amendment because it was filed by Bradley Bradshaw and Campaigns Find the Cures. This would also legalize medical marijuana but it would also create regulations and licensing procedures for marijuana and marijuana facilities. According to the Secretary of State’s Office, the tax on sales would be 15 percent and the funds would be used to “establish and fund a state research institute to conduct research with the purpose of developing cures and treatments for cancer and other incurable diseases or medical conditions…” The tax is estimated to bring in $66 million annually.
The final ballot initiative is Proposition C and it features the lowest tax on medical marijuana: 2 percent. It would bring in $10 million in tax revenue but the annual government costs are also $10 million. It will allow personal use and possession of medical marijuana with a written note from a physician who treats the qualifying condition. The funds would benefit veterans’ services, drug treatment, early childhood education and public safety in cities with a medical marijuana facility.
Click here to read the full text, and find out more about which chronic conditions qualify.
Sen. Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia, and Boone County Clerk Taylor Burks co-moderated the forum and representatives from New Approach Missouri answered questions from moderators and the audience. Representatives for Campaigns Find the Cures and Missourians for Patient Care were unable to attend.
