Missouri Looks at Recreational Pot

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Most Missouri adults would be able to buy and use recreational marijuana under a bill being considered by a state House panel.

 

The measure would let people older than 21 produce, sell, distribute and use pot. The legislation would allow the state to adopt regulations on marijuana distribution and to levy an excise tax up to 25 percent of the drug’s cost.

It is sponsored by Democratic Rep. Chris Kelly, of Columbia. The House public safety committee held a hearing on the measure Monday, but did not take a vote.

The Democratic proposal faces an uphill battle in Missouri’s Republican-dominated Legislature.

Washington and Colorado are currently the only states to legalize recreational marijuana use.