Missouri Becomes 16th State to Legalize Recreational Marijuana
On February 17, 2023, Missouri voters approved a ballot measure to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. This makes Missouri the 16th state to legalize recreational marijuana, joining the ranks of many other states in the U.S. that have already taken the step to legalize.
The measure, also known as Amendment 3, allows adults aged 21 and older to possess, use, and purchase up to one ounce of marijuana and to grow up to six marijuana plants in their home. It also establishes a licensing system for commercial cannabis businesses, such as cultivation and processing establishments, retail stores, and on-site consumption permits. The bill also allots 50 on-site consumption licenses, which would allow holders to own and operate facilities where people could legally smoke, vape, or consume cannabis.[0]
Despite the passing of this bill, many cannabis-related bills failed this session, including bipartisan measures aimed at setting up the market, a bill aimed at creating small-business incubators, and one to allow for resentencing opportunities for those previously incarcerated. A medical cannabis bill also failed in the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 28, 2023.
In spite of cannabis being prohibited by the federal law, more than half of the states in America have legalized the recreational use of marijuana, and three-fourths permit it to be utilized for medical reasons. In 2019, it was estimated that approximately 18% of adults in the United States had used marijuana.[1]
This article was last updated on Monday, February 27, 2023. For more information on the legalization of cannabis and related news, please subscribe to our free newsletter.
0. “Cannabis regulations proposed ahead of legalization deadline …” cnsmaryland.org, 1 Mar. 2023, https://cnsmaryland.org/2023/02/03/cannabis-regulations-proposed-ahead-of-legalization-deadline/
1. “More frequent cannabis use associated with higher risk of coronary …” www.news-medical.net, 1 Mar. 2023, https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230224/More-frequent-cannabis-use-associated-with-higher-risk-of-coronary-artery-disease.aspx
