City of Columbia looking to add 3% sales tax to recreational marijuana purchases

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia is looking at possibly adding a local sales tax to recreational marijuana purchases. 

On Tuesday, the city will discuss putting a 3% sales tax on marijuana purchases.

The 3% sales tax would be in addition to the state's 6% sales tax.

This proposal comes after recreational marijuana was approved by voters under Amendment 3 in November. The amendment was then officially added to the state constitution at the beginning of December. 

The council memo says the additional funding would help the city meet the increased cost of items such as mental health, addiction services and other community needs. 

However, time is ticking for a decision by the council to be made. According to the city's council memo, in order for this proposal to be put on the April ballot, the question must be certified by the county clerk by next Tuesday. 

Jefferson City is also considering adding an additional 3% sales tax to its April ballot. 

The council expects the tax to generate more than $153,000 a year. If approved by voters, the tax would go into effect on the first of October.