In November, Missouri will vote on Amendment 3, which, if passed, will legalize the recreational possession of marijuana in the state. Currently, 19 states and Washington, D.C. allow recreational pot, with the possibility of more on the ballot this year. But ironically, the Missouri initiative is getting pushback even from otherwise-sympathetic sources.
Amendment 3 is sponsored by Legal Missouri 2022, a marijuana advocacy group. According to the group's website, the proposed initiative would "legalize adult-use marijuana," "boost state tax revenues," and reduce the "illicit market" for weed. As written, the proposal would remove state laws against "purchasing, possessing, consuming, using, delivering, manufacturing, and selling" marijuana for adults 21 and older. It would also allow anyone convicted of nonviolent marijuana-related offenses to petition for expungement and, if necessary, release from incarceration, parole, or probation. Sales would be taxed at 6 percent, and Missourians would be limited to 3 ounces for personal use.
