Thanks to successful petition drives for three competing proposals, all three are on the ballot. Two would amend the Missouri Constitution; the other would change condition rules simply. What goes on if more than one passes? That is where things get sticky. According to the Missouri Secretary of State’s office, the constitutional amendments take precedence over the condition regulation proposition.
If both constitutional amendments complete, the one with “yes” votes takes effect. But legal experts agree that the passage of more than one measure will almost certainly lead to a court fight. Former Missouri Solicitor General Jim Layton said one key issue remains unclear: If a measure passes but is nevertheless trumped by one of the others, would its non-conflicting provisions also become law?
Former Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Wolff statistics such nuances will be irrelevant to many voters. All three would allow patients with cancers, HIV, epilepsy, and other conditions usage of medical marijuana. The variations involve how marijuana would be regulated and taxed largely, and where in fact the new taxes dollars would go.
Backers of both contending constitutional amendments are waging a bitter battle. Amendment 2, from a coalition of patients, doctors, and veterans called New Approach Missouri, emphasizes the worthiness of medical marijuana for veterans. Post-traumatic stress disorder is one of the conditions that would qualify, and a 4 percent sales tax would go to a newly-created account for health insurance and care services for veterans. The sales-tax income also would be used to … Read more