Missouri Activists Push for Unification of Marijuana and Hemp Regulations
A new ballot initiative is set to be filed in Missouri within days, aiming to unify the state’s marijuana and hemp regulations. The proposal, backed by the Missourians for a Single Market campaign, seeks to create parity between the two industries by establishing a revised licensing system and legislative mandates to amend current laws.
The initiative’s driving motivations are twofold. Firstly, it aims to address the perception that Missouri’s current cannabis system is “broken and corrupt,” with opaque licensing processes that have favored some applicants over others. Secondly, it seeks to level the playing field between the marijuana and hemp markets, which have historically been treated differently.
The proposal would remove the current constitutional language that regulates marijuana and instead give lawmakers the authority to develop statutory rules. This would allow for a more streamlined and simplified licensing process, with no limit on the number of licenses issued.
The initiative also includes provisions that would allow individuals to grow and sell their own cannabis, as well as allow adults to self-certify as medical marijuana patients. Additionally, it would provide a pathway for expungements for those with cannabis-related convictions and mandate retroactive tax relief for cannabis businesses.
Not everyone is on board with the proposal, however. The Missouri Cannabis Trade Association (MoCannTrade) has expressed concerns that the initiative would effectively “repeal” Missouri’s twice-voter-approved cannabis legalization laws, which have generated significant tax revenue for the state.
The initiative’s proponents argue that the current system is “not really a monopoly, but it’s very close,” with a handful of players dominating the market and creating barriers for others. They claim that the proposal would create a more free and fair market, allowing hemp businesses to thrive alongside marijuana businesses.
The filing of the initiative marks the beginning of a 50-day review process, after which officials can certify the language and clear the way for signature gathering. The campaign plans to collect around 300,000 signatures from registered voters, with a goal of securing ballot placement in 2026.
The initiative’s proponents believe that the proposal has the potential to revolutionize Missouri’s cannabis industry, creating a more equitable and regulated market that benefits both consumers and businesses.
