There are several important issues for all of us to consider on the upcoming November 6 ballot. Of particular importance to Missourians will be whether we decide to join 31 other states and the District of Columbia in legalizing the growing, processing, selling and using of cannabis (marijuana) for medical purposes.
Missouri voters will be asked to consider three separate ballot measures that could alter the speed, timing and manner for which patients will be able to gain access to medical cannabis. I urge you to vote for the first option on the ballot, Amendment 2, as the most balanced approach for health care providers, industry participants and for the overall wellness of Missourians.
The legalization of cannabis, at least for medical purposes, is inevitable. In 2017, revenues from state-regulated cannabis sales topped $8 billion and are forecast to surpass $15 billion annually by 2020. There have also been an estimated 120,000 jobs created in the U.S. as a result of this new industry. These economic benefits, including the accompanying tax revenue, will only increase.
The stigma associated with cannabis use is quickly dissipating as well, as many begin to view the plant as a legitimate means to provide relief from medical conditions such as arthritis, appetite and weight loss often accompanying cancer and HIV/AIDS treatments, severe nausea, sickle cell anemia, post-traumatic stress disorder, inflammatory bowel disease and chronic pain associated with multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy.
Polling shows that most Americans no longer believe cannabis use poses the dangers that some have suggested and that few of us buy into Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ assertion that “good people don’t smoke marijuana.”
The cannabis debate has a far-reaching and racist past. Previously dispensed by pharmacies in America, cannabis was outlawed 80 years ago through the efforts of Harry Anslinger, the first commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. He tied cannabis use to jazz music, which he hated due to the prevalence of black musicians. Anslinger’s racist rhetoric in 1937 gained support through his statements such as “this was a drug black men used to seduce white women” and that it “promotes interracial mixing and interracial relationships.”
Then the war on drugs, which commenced in 1971 under President Richard Nixon, began (and, some would argue, continues) an all-out assault on the poor and people of color as arrests and convictions related to drug possession and sales exploded. Our prison system became bloated disproportionately with those from black and brown communities, even though drug usage and distribution rates were, and remain, similar to those in white communities.
Although the number of minorities who have been incarcerated for the sale or possession of cannabis is astronomical and 3-4 times the rate of white people who have been incarcerated for similar activities, minority-owned businesses in this new industry remain less than 5 percent; some estimate as few as 1 percent of these businesses are owned by black entrepreneurs. This is due not only to the significant capital needed to finance business operations and license fees, but also as a result of most states having regulations that disqualify those with a prior drug-related felony conviction from participating.
Yes, you may be disqualified from legally participating today in the same activity for which you were convicted last year. Sound a bit unfair? Many would agree with you, but all three of Missouri’s ballot measures contain this disqualifying language.
We should change our laws to allow for the growth of this industry similar to those in most other states. On November 6, we have three options for doing go.
Amendment 2 is a constitutional amendment sponsored by New Approach Missouri imposing a four percent tax with revenue generated for veteran’s health care costs.
Proposition C is a statutory amendment sponsored by Missourians for Patient Care imposing a two percent tax with revenue going to veterans’ services, drug treatment, early childhood education and public safety programs.
Amendment 3 is a constitutional amendment sponsored by Find the Cures which imposes a 15 percent tax. Resulting tax revenue for Amendment 3 would be used to create and support a research facility overseen by a nine-member board with the aim of finding cures and treatments for certain diseases. A 15 percent tax, on top of the other tax burdens that cannabis industry participants must face, will prevent the vast majority of those interested from creating a viable business to support the industry.
It is clear that New Approach Missouri’s Amendment 2 is the best option. Key elements that will make Amendment 2 successful are:
- It is a constitutional amendment, which makes it more difficult than a statutory amendment to delay implementation or change the program requirements;
- It is comprehensive and based on other successful state regulatory frameworks;
- It levies a reasonable tax burden on industry participants with revenue benefitting veterans’ health care concerns;
- It provides opportunity for a balanced distribution of licenses; and
- It is endorsed by the Marijuana Policy Project, which is led by Steve Hawkins and endeavors to change the laws that imprison people for marijuana use, and Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association.
Our neighboring states of Illinois, Arkansas and Oklahoma have all legalized medical cannabis for qualified patients. On August 28, Illinois governor Bruce Rauner signed legislation allowing medical cannabis to be used as an opioid alternative. With most American citizens now living in a state or territory which permits the use of medical cannabis, it is past time for Missourians to also benefit from the legalization and decriminalization of cannabis. Join me in voting YES on Amendment 2 on November 6.
