The elections on Tuesday resulted in several states changing their stance on marijuana legislation as voters made their voices heard.
In Missouri, voters had approved at least one of three medical marijuana measures that appeared on the state’s ballot.
Amendment 2 passed by a margin of 66% to 34%. The constitutional amendment will allow qualified patients who have approval from their physicians to receive identification cards from the state that will allow them and their registered caregivers to grow up to six marijuana plants and purchase at least four ounces of cannabis from dispensaries on a monthly basis.
Doctors will also be able to recommend medical cannabis for any condition they determine. There is no list of qualifying conditions.
Missouri state regulators will issue licenses for medical marijuana dispensaries, cultivation, testing and infused product manufacturing businesses.
“Thanks to the unflagging efforts of patients and advocates, Missourians who could benefit from medical marijuana will soon be able to use it without fear of being treated like criminals,” Matthew Schweich, deputy director of the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), remarked.
He added, “We hope lawmakers will implement the measure efficiently and effectively to ensure qualified patients can gain access to their medicine as soon as possible.”
“There is near-universal support in the U.S. for providing seriously ill patients with legal access to medical cannabis,” Schweich said.
“Most voters, regardless of their age, geographic location, or political persuasion recognize the medical benefits of marijuana and believe it should be available to those who can benefit from it. Now that more than 30 states have enacted comprehensive medical marijuana laws, it is time for Congress to step up and address the issue at the federal level.”
