After coming up just short in 2016 (missing the ballot by as few as 23 signatures due a judge’s decision regarding St. Louis County wrongly invalidating 2,000 signatures..don’t get me started!!), New Approach Missouri has been hard at work and has FINALLY gotten the approval from the Secretary of State’s office to be on the ballot, and the Yes on Amendment 2 Campaign is ready to roll!
Amendment 2 is a constitutional amendment that would allow doctors to prescribe medical marijuana to patients with one of ten specified medical conditions, including cancer, glaucoma, epilepsy, chronic pain, PTSD and Parkinson’s. The measure would impose a four percent sales tax, and some of that revenue would be earmarked for veterans programs. The state’s Department of Health and Senior Services would regulate sales, cultivation and licensing.
The Riverfront Times has given a side by side comparison between Amendment 2 and the other 2 medical cannabis initiatives that will be on the Missouri ballot in November, explaining that with three measures on the ballot, there’s a real possibility that more than one could pass, or even all three. It’s not clear what happens if both the Patient Care Act (a state law) passes along with one of the constitutional amendments, but state law does define what happens if two constitutional amendments pass on the same ballot: the one with the higher vote total wins.
I will go as far as to say that Amendment 2 is the BEST of all 3 ballot initiatives, as it has the most broad-based support from veterans, health care providers and most importantly patients.
New Approach Missouri’s goal is to make Missouri the 31st state to allow doctors to recommend medical marijuana to patients with serious and debilitating illnesses. Amendment 2 is the best initiative for veterans and patients.
New Approach is the only ballot initiative that would permit patients to grow their own cannabis. Patients who want to cultivate must register with the state and need an enclosed, locked facility.
According to estimates by the Secretary of State’s office, New Approach’s proposal would generate $18 million in tax revenue for the state and $6 million for local governments.
You can learn more about Amendment 2 and how to get involved here.
