http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/petition-aims-amend-missouri-constitution-legalizing-marijuana-medical-recreational-u_77027.mp3
Missouri’s Secretary of State is asking the public to comment on several initiative petitions that may appear before voters later this year. One petition would amend the state constitution to legalize marijuana in Missouri. KSMU’s Jennifer Davidson has details.
The petition aims to legalize, regulate and tax the use of marijuana for medical and adult recreational purposes. If it were approved at the ballot box, a health care provider licensed to prescribe medicine would be able to write a prescription for pot, and Missourians ages 21 or older could use, have, grow and sell it. Farmers and manufacturers who produce cannabis hemp and products made from it would also be protected under the proposed Constitutional changes. The petition also aims to reduce the punishments for prior marijuana law offenders, and in some cases, allow them to walk away from jail or prison immediately.
Missouri’s initiative petition process is one way of changing state law at the ballot box. But before groups can gather signatures on their petitions, the wording must be approved by the Secretary of State’s office. Right now, Secretary of State Jason Kander’s office is taking public comments on this petition and several others. To comment, you can call the Elections Division at -1800-669-8683, or by clicking on the comment box next to each initiative petition. You can also submit a comment form to Elections Division, State Information Center, 600 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
You can click here to read the full petition text on legalizing marijuana, Petition 2014-122.
For KSMU News, I’m Jennifer Davidson.