Recreational pot in Missouri? Here’s the editorial board recommendation on Amendment 3
On Nov. 8, Missouri voters will decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana for adults. We recommend a yes vote on Amendment 3, a constitutional amendment that would permit people over 21 to legally possess limited amounts of pot for personal use.
If approved, the initiative would regulate the recreational marijuana industry in Missouri, authorize the automatic expungement of most nonviolent marijuana offenses and impose a 6% tax on marijuana sales. The additional tax revenue — tens of millions per year, proponents say — would be split among services for military veterans, costs associated with the expungement program and more funding for the state’s public defender’s office.
Missouri prosecutors oppose the amendment, issuing warnings about potentially reduced penalties for driving under the influence and marijuana sales to minors.
Under the new law, driving under the influence of cannabis remains illegal. And it would still be a felony to sell marijuana to minors. Elected prosecutors should not use scare tactics to dissuade voters from approving recreational pot.
Full legalization in Missouri has been a long time coming. In 2018, 65.6% of Missouri voters amended the state constitution to legalize marijuana use for medicinal purposes.
Amendment 3 expands on that, allowing adults over 21 to legally use, possess or sell up to 3 ounces of the drug. That’s a higher limit than in California and the same as in New York, according to Legal Missouri 2022, the group responsible for the proposed constitutional amendment.
While not perfect, Amendment 3 would represent progress in our state toward criminal justice reform. Black, Hispanic and other people of color have always borne the brunt of America’s war on drugs.
Between 2010 and 2018, Black people were 2.6 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession in Missouri than white people, according to a 2020 ACLU report on marijuana-related arrests in Missouri. Half of all drug arrests made in Missouri in 2018 were for pot, the ACLU report found. The state ranked 18th in the nation for the largest racial disparities in marijuana-related arrests.
Under the new amendment, those businesses already licensed to produce or sell medical marijuana would have first dibs on licenses for recreational production and sales. That’s a source of contention for some and rightfully so. Out of 400 medical marijuana licenses, only two are Black-owned, according to pro-marijuana advocates who are against Amendment 3.
But Legal Missouri 2022 argues that a racial equity component exists. The amendment calls for adding 144 “micro-licenses” that would allow new prospective owners to get in on the business, which could exceed a half-billion dollars next year, according to some estimates.
It’s been four years since almost 66% of Missouri voters approved medical marijuana. If state lawmakers wanted legal recreational pot in Missouri, as some have argued, we would have it. So let the people decide.
In our view, the benefits of recreational cannabis outweigh some of the technical issues raised by critics. We recommend a yes vote on Amendment 3.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWho decides the endorsements?
Members of The Kansas City Star Editorial Board interview political candidates, as well as advocates and opponents of ballot measures. The editorial board is comprised of seasoned opinion journalists and is separate from The Star’s newsroom. The board’s members are editorial writers Toriano Porter and Mara’ Rose Williams — all veteran journalists with decades of experience. Editors Derek Donovan is also a member, and editor David Tarrant, while not a member of the board, reads and often improves each editorial we publish. Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
What does the endorsement process entail?
The Star Editorial Board invites candidates in each race to meet with the board in an on-the-record discussion, the purpose of which is more fully understand what distinguishes one candidate from another. Board members do additional reporting and research to learn as much as possible about the candidates. The editorial board then convenes to discuss the candidates in each race. Board members seek to reach a consensus on the endorsements, but not every decision is unanimous..
Is the editorial board partisan?
No. In making endorsements, members of the editorial board consider which candidates are well prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they agree with us or belong to a particular political party. We do weigh heavily their stances on issues we consider basic tests of judgment and candor, such as whether they even acknowledge climate change as real, or if they continue to deny the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election. We weigh these factors against many others, and state clearly what our conclusions are. Primarily, we evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, their readiness for office, their depth of knowledge of key issues and their understanding of public policy. We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. The editorial board will endorse both Republicans and Democrats, making recommendations about who the best-qualified candidate for each job is.
Why are endorsements unsigned?
Endorsements reflect the collective views of The Star’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. Board members all discuss and contribute ideas to each endorsement editorial.
This story was originally published October 13, 2022 at 5:30 AM.