use cannabis since 2012 , and they STILL do not allow home growing . While many groups have tried to change this , there has been no success .
Social Consumption
This is one of the stickier and trickier issues , but one that we should all be aware of , nonetheless . Social consumption in this context refers to having spaces where cannabis consumption can happen in a social setting , similar to a coffee shop with coffee , a taproom with beer , or a wine shop with wine .
● No state has yet to successfully implement a social consumption program that allows consumers to enjoy their cannabis together in the way that we are able to do with alcohol , coffee , or any other provision .
● Creating a social consumption regulation also allows the cannabis industry to be that much bigger and more impactful in terms of economic growth and tax revenue . It would be great to see Missouri do this first — the potential and will are there !
Industry Access
One of the biggest benefits of legalizing cannabis for adult-use is not only access for all adults to purchase cannabis , but also the amount of growth the industry can have , which helps with job creation , overall economic development , and of course , tax revenue at the city and state levels .
● Some adult-use initiatives only allow those currently operating in the medical marijuana industry to acquire the licenses needed for adult-use businesses , enabling them to recoup and protect the investments they made to open for business and provide “ medical cannabis ” to patients . These already operating businesses have the means to remain open , transition to adult-use products , and know state legal requirements .
● While there are certainly social equity and legacy market considerations to be made , the root of this issue lies in the basis of a free enterprise market . So , other initiatives allow everyone to have access to license applications and achievement if they have the means and knowledge to do so .
Taxes
Taxes are a big one . For example , adult-use states tend to tax non-medical cannabis at so-called “ sin ” tax rates , 20 % to 35 % and higher , much like alcohol .
● For some medical patients in adult-use states , it can be easier to buy non-medical cannabis products and forgo renewing a medical card . However , for others , the small initial cost of $ 50-100 ( yearly ) for a medical patient card may allow access to higher quality of “ Medical Cannabis ,” a grade or two above that sold for adult-use .
● Many states levy an adult-use marijuana excise tax ( taxes on a specific product ) in addition to the regular state sales tax like the tobacco and alcohol taxes .
● Some local towns and counties may also add an additional 1 % to 3 % tax on top of that . It does add up to the final cost of products purchased .
● Currently , medical marijuana purchases in Missouri are subject to a 4 % tax with no additional taxes imposed ( you can learn more on the Missouri Department of Revenue website ).
● While this issue is a bit more straightforward , it is still one to be aware of ( ask about ) when you are choosing which measure to support .
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