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Christian County places recreational marijuana tax on April Ballot

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The Christian County Commission has placed a question on the April 4 ballot asking voters to decide whether or not the County should collect a 3 percent sales tax on adult-use (recreational) marijuana. The language on the ballot will read as follows:

“Shall Christian County, Missouri impose a countywide sales tax of three percent (3%) on all tangible personal property retail sales of non-medical adult use marijuana sold within Christian County, Missouri?”

A “Yes” vote will impose a three percent (3%) sales tax on adult-use, recreational marijuana purchases made within Christian County.

A “No” vote will not impose a three percent (3%) sales tax on adult-use, recreational marijuana purchases made within Christian County.

This recreational marijuana tax question is on the upcoming ballot because, in November of 2022, Missouri voters passed a constitutional amendment allowing the sale and use of marijuana for personal use for persons aged 21 and older. Thus, Missouri became the 21st state to legalize the use of recreational marijuana.

As part of the County Commission’s efforts to better inform the public about this possible tax, Presiding Commissioner Lynn Morris wishes to convey three important things to know:

  1. The only people paying this tax will be those choosing to purchase recreational marijuana in Christian County at a state-licensed store.
  2. If you do not purchase recreational marijuana, this tax will not apply to you.
  3. The tax will only apply to retail sales of recreational marijuana. This has no connection with the regular personal property tax applied to vehicles and real estate.

“We’re just asking people to please study the issue,” said Morris.

The County Commission has also agreed that if voters do, indeed, approve this measure, the revenues collected will be utilized to support projects, programs and expenses related to public safety, law enforcement and community improvement as determined by the County Commission.

Eastern Commissioner Bradley Jackson added, “At this point, we don’t have enough information to truly project how much revenue would be generated, so it’s difficult to say precisely what needs can be addressed. We do know, however, based on the experience in other states where recreational marijuana has been legalized, that there will be a variety of impacts which these funds will most certainly help us to address.”

The County Commission encourages citizens to exercise their uniquely American privilege to vote on April 4, 2023.


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