Missouri Constitution Article XIV - Medical Cannabis
Missouri Constitution – Article XIV: Medical Cannabis
Article XIV of the Missouri Constitution governs medical marijuana (cannabis) use, regulation, and licensing in the state. It was added by voter initiative in 2018 and later amended to include provisions for adult-use (recreational) cannabis via Amendment 3 in 2022.
Here's a summary of its key provisions:
Section 1: Medical Use of Marijuana
Right to Access:
Qualifying patients with a physician’s recommendation can use marijuana for medical purposes.
Regulation by the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS):
Responsible for licensing and regulating medical cannabis facilities and patient registration.
Sets rules for cultivation, manufacturing, dispensing, and testing.
Licensing Categories:
Cultivation Facilities
Dispensary Facilities
Infused Products Manufacturing Facilities
Testing Facilities
Patient Rights:
Possession of a specified amount of medical cannabis.
Ability to cultivate a limited number of plants (with a separate license).
Local Control:
Local governments can enact reasonable regulations but cannot ban dispensaries outright without a vote.
Taxation:
A 4% tax is levied on the retail sale of medical marijuana.
Revenue goes to the Missouri Veterans’ Health and Care Fund.
Section 2: Adult-Use Marijuana (Added in 2022)
This section legalized recreational marijuana for adults aged 21+ and created a framework for:
Possession and personal use
Expungement of certain marijuana-related offenses
Licensing and regulation of recreational cannabis businesses
(This part overlaps but expands on the medical framework to include non-medical use.)
Significance
Article XIV ensures patients with qualifying conditions can legally access medical marijuana, with regulatory oversight from the state. It also reflects a broader shift toward cannabis legalization in Missouri.
RELATED Blog
0 comments