No. 7: Missouri legalizes adult-use marijuana as state prepares for sales in 2023

Monica Dunn, St. Joseph News-Press, Mo.
·1 min read
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Dec. 31—Voters approved Missouri Amendment 3 in November, allowing Missourians 21 and older to possess, consume and purchase up to 3 ounces of marijuana for recreational use.

The amendment also paves the way for adults to cultivate their own marijuana and for previous non-violent marijuana offenses to be expunged.

Medical marijuana dispensaries started applying for comprehensive licenses to sell adult-use marijuana as well. The licenses are expected to be awarded by Feb. 6. Once a dispensary has this license, it will be able to begin selling recreational-use marijuana.

Smoking marijuana in a public area that is not designated for smoking could bring a civil penalty with up to a $100 fine. It is not permitted to smoke marijuana in areas where smoking tobacco is prohibited. There are other limits listed in the 38-page amendment.

Personal cultivation applications will be available on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services on Jan. 7.

Leaders with the City of St. Joseph have decided they will not pursue an excise tax on marijuana right now. Buchanan County officials are discussing the idea. Missouri is capped at a 6% tax, and local municipalities are allowed to tax up to 3%.