Supporters of legalizing marijuana in Missouri are lining up campaigns to put recreational use on the ballot next year.
But with the efforts launching less than a year after the first medical marijuana dispensaries opened in the state, St. Louis cannabis industry leaders are split on whether the timing is right.
Some say there’s a lot of momentum around cannabis that should be built on — sales and the number of people getting medical marijuana cards are booming. But others worry it’s too soon, since the state is still sorting through controversy and appeals in the medical licensing process.
If campaigns can receive initial approval from the state and then gather enough signatures, voters would weigh in on legalizing recreational use of cannabis next year.
Earlier this month, Fair Access Missouri submitted seven versions of possible ballot language with the secretary of state’s office. All but one, regarding changes to the state’s medical program, have been rejected.
Spokesman Eric McSwain said there were formatting issues with early versions submitted.
“It’s a very particular process,” he said. “We’ve had some more recent rejections we think for similar reasons, so less about the policy itself and more about just formatting.”
Madison Walker, a spokesman with the secretary of state, said they were rejected because they included more than one amended and revised article of the constitution.
McSwain said the group will refile ballot language. Some of…
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Supporters of legalizing marijuana in Missouri are lining up campaigns to put recreational use on the ballot next year.
But with the efforts launching less than a year after the first medical marijuana dispensaries opened in the state, St. Louis cannabis industry leaders are split on whether the timing is right.
Some say there’s a lot of momentum around cannabis that should be built on — sales and the number of people getting medical marijuana cards are booming. But others worry it’s too soon, since the state is still sorting through controversy and appeals in the medical licensing process.
If campaigns can receive initial approval from the state and then gather enough signatures, voters would weigh in on legalizing recreational use of cannabis next year.
Earlier this month, Fair Access Missouri submitted seven versions of possible ballot language with the secretary of state’s office. All but one, regarding changes to the state’s medical program, have been rejected.
Spokesman Eric McSwain said there were formatting issues with early versions submitted.
“It’s a very particular process,” he said. “We’ve had some more recent rejections we think for similar reasons, so less about the policy itself and more about just formatting.”
Madison Walker, a spokesman with the secretary of state, said they were rejected because they included more than one amended and revised article of the constitution.
McSwain said the group will refile ballot language. Some of…
