KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City voters have approved new taxes and fees concerning recreational marijuana and short-term rentals in Tuesday’s municipal election.
City leaders put three questions on the April 4 ballot. Two of the questions directly impact short-term rentals like Airbnb and Vrbo.
Here’s how residents voted and what changes will come with the new approval.
Question 1
Kansas City was one of over 30 cities and counties in the metro asking voters to approve a 3% local tax on recreational marijuana sales. The tax saw a 73% approval in Kansas City, based on unofficial results.
There is already a 6% state tax on recreational marijuana, and both these taxes will be in addition to the existing sales tax.
The question now becomes whether Jackson County can tack on its own voter-approved 3% sales tax to recreational weed purchases in Kansas City and Jackson County limits. City and county leaders disagree on this matter.
Local taxes will not apply to medical marijuana purchases, and the state will keep its 4% tax rate for anyone with a medical card.
Over five years, Kansas City expects $300 million worth of marijuana to be sold within its borders, and leaders estimate the local tax will eventually add up to $10 million a year in revenue for Kansas…
