Missouri voters approve legalization of marijuana for recreational use
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Missouri will join a growing number of states to allow recreational marijuana.
More than 53% of voters approved Amendment 3 on Election Day. With the amendment receiving approval from voters, Missouri is now one of 21 states to legalize marijuana for recreational use.
Missourians could start to see the changes as soon as next year.
The Show-Me State joins Maryland to allow for the recreational use of marijuana. Voters in Arkansas and North Dakota rejected similar proposals.
Approval of recreational marijuana in Missouri comes as President Joe Biden recently announced plans to decriminalize marijuana.
In October, the president announced he would pardon thousands of Americans for simple possession of marijuana under federal law. For those with marijuana offenses to take advantage of the changes, their offense would need to be non-violent.
Other offenders can petition for release from prison or for parole.
Amendment 3 in Missouri would cover felony charges, including possession of up to three ounces of marijuana, while some charges would remain.
Those charges include selling to a minor, being caught driving under the influence of marijuana, or having more than three ounces.
Some officials spoke out against Amendment 3 but others have expressed how the change can help some people.
Amendment 3 would also require a registration card for personal cultivation with prescribed limits and include a 6% tax on the retail price of recreational marijuana.
The new changes prohibit marijuana facilities from selling cannabis-infused products shaped or packaged as candy that may be attractive to children.
State governmental entities estimate initial costs of $3.1 million, initial revenues of at least $7.9 million, annual costs of $5.5 million, and annual revenues of at least $40.8 million.
Local governments are estimated to have annual costs of at least $35,000 and annual revenues of at least $13.8 million.
