Voters Say No To Constitutional Convention, Yes To Pot

The votes are in on a ballot measure that would call a convention to possibly change Missouri’s Constitution. Alisa Nelson reports.

Recreational marijuana will become legal in Missouri in February. In a close contest, voters passed Amendment 3 by a margin of 53 to 47 percent. John Payne is with the group Legal Missouri, which backed the amendment:

Payne says as of December 8th, possession of 3 ounces or less of cannabis will no longer be a crime in Missouri. Retail sales of cannabis is set to become legal in February. Some opponents had argued that legalizing recreational marijuana use will lead to an increase in traffic crashes and people driving under the influence. Others support legalization but opposed Amendment 3, saying it’s structured to benefit those already selling medical marijuana and will limit access to the industry.

Even though marijuana will become legal in Missouri, it’s important to note that marijuana is still classified at the federal level as a Schedule one drug under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning that the government believes it to have no medical use and a high potential for abuse.