Missouri state lawmakers must act now on adult-use cannabis legalization or risk having their hands tied should an initiative petition change the state Constitution. That was the bottom line from Rep. Ron Hicks, a St. Charles County Republican, when he presented his legislation during a hearing before House Public Safety Committee members on March 8. Several Missourians testified to voice their support of the bill, which Hicks filed last month. Titled the Cannabis Freedom Act, House Bill 2704 aims to legalize the possession and personal use of cannabis for those 21 and older, allow for home cultivation of up 12 mature plants, and tax cannabis sales at a rate not to exceed 12%, among other provisions, according to a summary of the 74-page legislation. In addition, cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, processors, and distributors would not be subject to special zoning requirements or licensing fees under the legislation. The main reason Hicks said Missouri state lawmakers need to act now is so they can control any forthcoming legalization parameters.
Cannabis Business Times, 03/09/2022 11:54:00