Petition to Product, Sell, Distribute and Consume Marijuana Approved for Circulation for 2016 Ballot

Jefferson City, Mo. — Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander today announced that an initiative petition relating to the production, sale, distribution and consumption of marijuana and hemp products met state standards for circulation.

The official ballot title for the initiative petition, 2016-009, reads:

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

• allow the production, sale, distribution, and consumption of marijuana and hemp products by persons at least 21 years old;

• permit the state to establish a tax and authorize regulations and licensing procedures for marijuana;

• change criminal provisions for marijuana offenses and allow individuals who have certain marijuana-related offenses to apply to have the records relating to the offenses expunged; and

• allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes?

State government expects $1 million in startup costs and annual operating costs starting at $4.9 million, possibly offset by unknown savings in the criminal justice system. Legislative and agency actions will impact potential increased state revenue. The annual revenue increase is unknown but could exceed $75 million. The fiscal impact to local governments is unknown.

Before any constitutional changes can be brought before Missouri voters in the November 2016 election, signatures must be obtained from registered voters equal to eight (8) percent of the total votes cast in the 2012 governor’s election from six of the state’s eight congressional districts.

Signatures on behalf of all initiative petitions for the 2016 ballot are due to the secretary of state’s office by no later than 5 p.m. on May 8, 2016.

Before circulating petitions, state law requires that groups must first have the form of their petition approved by the secretary of state and attorney general. The secretary of state then prepares a summary statement of no more than 100 words, and the state auditor prepares a fiscal impact statement, both of which are subject to the approval of the attorney general. When both statements are approved, they become the official ballot title.

Petition to Product, Sell, Distribute and Consume Marijuana Approved for Circulation for 2016 Ballot