March 17, 2015

Tax Proposed To Generate Money For Missouri Drug Task Forces

March 17, 2015
missouri drug task force
missouri drug task force
(image via barrycountysheriff.com)

Missouri’s drug task forces are bad for the citizens of Missouri. They don’t play by the rules, proven by the fact that Missouri drug task forces have repeatedly tried to keep members of the public out of their ‘public’ meetings. That has resulted in lawsuits being filed by activists with Show-Me Cannabis. If anything, Missouri drug task forces should be de-funded and disbanded. But, unfortunately, it sounds like they are trying to find a new revenue source in the form of a drug tax stamp. Per the Houston Herald:

State Rep. Shawn Rhoads wants Missouri to join more than 20 other states that already have taxes on illicit drugs in effect. He filed legislation, HB 1138, this week that would require individuals in possession of illegal substances such as marijuana or cocaine to obtain a drug tax stamp from the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Rhoads said his goal with the bill is to secure additional funding for the various drug task forces around the state that work diligently to keep illegal substances off the streets.

“Many other states including our neighbors to the west in Kansas utilize drug tax stamps as a way to generate an additional source of revenue,” said Rhoads, R-West Plains. “These laws in no way change the criminal penalties associated with possessing, using or distributing these illicit drugs, but they do allow the state to tax these goods in much the same way we do other items that are bought and sold.”

It makes me sad to know that on the same day that the State of Missouri moved forward on no less than four pro-marijuana bills last week, this bill was introduced. If you live in Missouri, make sure to contact your state officials and let them know that HB 1138 is ridiculous. They should be moving forward on drug policy in Missouri, not backwards. Also if you are in Missouri, make sure to get active with the Show-Me Cannabis campaign. They are doing everything they can to end marijuana prohibition in Missouri, and you should be too.

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