Marijuana Sales Tax To Be Decided In April

The city of Bourbon will ask voters in April 2023 to approve an ordinance that would put a 3 percent tax on recreational marijuana sales.

Bourbon council members approved putting the measure on the April 4 ballot.

If passed, the ordinance would add the tax on all tangible personal property retail sales of adult-use marijuana sold within the city.

No businesses are currently selling recreational marijuana in the state, which was approved by voters in November. Mayor Dave Lafferty indicated that a person does have interest in Bourbon when dispensaries can begin sales.

Missouri voters approved recreational marijuana with 53 percent of the vote. It legalizes anyone 21 or older to buy, possess, use, manufacture and distribute marijuana, though it remains illegal under federal law.

Missouri is undergoing the licensing process now and recreational sales are expected to begin in February.

“I don’t know why we wouldn’t want this,” Lafferty said about the sales tax, which will come with a 6 percent state tax.

Amendment 3 allows municipalities to impose the 3 percent tax. Local governments around the state are debating whether to place it on April election ballots.

Missouri’s law went into effect in early December.

Beginning in February, residents can apply for registration cards to grow marijuana at home. Certain guidelines about the number and size of plants must be followed.

Amendment 3 also came with a micro business program that aims to allow smaller entrepreneurs and businesses to obtain licenses.

Six licenses must be granted in each of the state’s eight congressional districts. A lottery system will be developed to select facility licenses and marijuana micro business licensees.