Recreational Cannabis In Missouri Up For Vote, But Is This The Right Way?

​This November, voters in Missouri will have the opportunity to vote on adult use cannabis legalization in the state.

The group behind the amendment, called Legal Missouri, said they project the state will receive more than $40 million in tax revenue from legalization.

But while all cannabis advocates look forward to the ultimate goal of legalization, some critics say this particular proposal isn’t the way to do it. Critics are concerned that the new measure is based on the existing medical legislation, which some say has caused inequities in the market and encouraged monopolies. Under the new measure, the current medical license holders would be first in line for the new adult use licenses.

Christina Thompson, co-founder of ShowMe Canna-Freedom, said the licensing structure leaves no room for microbusinesses to expand. She said, “Microbusinesses are basically going to be segregated into their own little sphere of existence where their supply and demand is microscopic,” She also added that because of this, “they're never going to become competitive. They're not allowed to sell any strains that they come up with on the large commercial market.”

Mark Powell, co-founder of ShowMe Canna-Freedom, said he was alarmed that Legal Missouri allows a judge to prevent an expungement with “good cause for denial.” Powell said. “We're for expungement, but Legal Missouri doesn't explain what ‘cause’ means in their initiative. If the judge doesn't like you, the way you're presenting yourself, whatever reason, the judge can deny you.”

Ryan Chorice, general manager of The Hub Smoke Shops, said that to him the new measure was, “just more money and more resources going to the ones that are already winning.” He acknowledged that people are excited for legalization and want to vote yes, but he’s telling his customers to be wary of voting yes, and that he will, “stress being patient to get the right foundation built for it.”

​Christina Thompson added, “People deserve to have the ability to enter this market. People deserve to have an equal shot at it. If you fail, you fail, but you still deserve to have an equal shot.”

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