Yes on 3: Expansion to adult-use regulated cannabis creates OTC option and greater access for Missouri citizens’ wellness needs
Passage of Amendment 3 will allow expanded access to cannabis while generating millions in tax revenue and allowing for expungement of certain marijuana-related offenses
Voter passage of Amendment 3 will expand access of legal cannabis to all Missouri citizens age 21 and older, providing the freedom for more Missourians to explore cannabis as an option for common health and wellness concerns while generating much-needed tax revenue and addressing the inequities of existing convictions for certain marijuana-related offenses.
“Voting Yes on Amendment 3 will initiate Missouri’s transition to an adult-use cannabis program bringing tangible upside for both consuming and non-consuming residents of the Show-me State,” said Jason Nelson, CEO of BeLeaf Medical. “I’m fortunate to have experienced multiple medical to adult-use market transitions. The provisions included in Amendment 3 outline significant investments in restorative justice, social equity and existing medical patient support, and are by far the most promising I have seen when compared to other cannabis markets across the country. In addition to automatic expungements for non-violent marijuana offenses and 144 new licenses issued to residents of communities that have been disproportionately impacted by anti-drug law enforcement, Amendment 3 will also increase an urgently needed revenue stream for the state which allocates tens of millions of dollars to veterans’ healthcare, drug treatment programs and improving the public defender system.”
A June 2022 Harris Poll found that a majority of cannabis consumption can be traced to consumers’ desires to alleviate symptoms of health and wellness issues. For example, 52% of respondents said they consumed cannabis to help them relax, 49% reported they chose cannabis to help with sleep issues, 44% consumed cannabis to treat stress and 41% reported using cannabis to reduce anxiety. In addition, 62% of respondents reported they prefer cannabis over pharmaceuticals to treat medical conditions and 91% of respondents said they consumed cannabis for health and/or wellness purposes.
“Given the highly successful outcomes documented under Missouri’s currently operating medical cannabis program, prescription-only access to cannabis can seamlessly transition to expanded access in a highly regulated and quality assured adult-use cannabis market, providing safe and affordable ‘over-the-counter’ solutions for both local residents and visiting tourists,” Nelson said. “For these reasons BeLeaf Medical strongly supports Amendment 3. The promise of broad-ranging adult-use market upsides achieved at the same time honoring commitments of continued robust support for our cherished medical patient clientele is a balance we have the experience to execute successfully.”
Recent polling shows strong support among Missouri voters for increased access to cannabis in the state. A survey conducted by SurveyUSA reported that 62% of Missouri likely voters reported they were “certain to vote yes” on the amendment. The poll shows majorities across all political affiliations are supporting the ballot measure with 77% of Democrats, 54% of Republicans and 57% of independents saying they will vote yes.
“While we understand and respect the opposition some have toward this amendment, we are encouraged that the Missouri electorate seems to understand the importance of allowing access to legal, regulated adult-use cannabis in the state, and the multi-party benefits incurred with the passage of Amendment 3,” Nelson said. “A yes vote on Amendment 3 will generate $40.8 million in new revenue annually for the state and $13.8 million to local governments. There is no question that the acceptance of and demand for cannabis is increasing in Missouri, and we are asking residents to support full legalization for adult-use by voting yes on 3 this November 8th.”
To schedule an interview with Jason Nelson, please contact Emily Meshell at 318-564-8195 or [email protected].
About BeLeaf Medical
BeLeaf Medical Company is a leader in Missouri’s medical cannabis industry. With years of cannabis experience in multiple states, BeLeaf Medical is able to deliver the best cannabis flower and manufactured products to market. The company curates the highest-quality genetics of popular flower strains, and its cultivation facilities utilize high-tech proven methods to grow the highest quality medical cultivars. BeLeaf Medical products are specifically formulated with medical conditions in mind. To ensure a consistent, high-quality product BeLeaf employs strict Good Manufacturing Practices. BeLeaf Medical Dispensaries offer a wide variety of products and a knowledgeable staff to help customers find the best solutions. For more information, visit https://www.beleafmedical.com/.