By Woodrow Polston
Last November, Missourians voted to legalize the recreational use of marijuana across the state, opening the door to more businesses that would like to break into the market.
As of Dec. 8, 2022, medical marijuana license holders were able to be the first to apply for a license to cultivate, sell and distribute under the new law. Ahead of any retail dispensary operations opening in Vandalia, the city took steps to put a tax in place that would be similar to a cigarette tax for consumers of tobacco products. City Administrator Darren Berry discussed the proposed ordinance at the Jan. 10 Board of Aldermen meeting.
“Last November Amendment 3 was passed by the voters of Missouri, making the use of recreational marijuana legal for consumption for anyone 21 years of age or older,” said Berry. “If passed, this ordinance establishing a tax rate will not be effective unless it is approved by a majority of votes cast by the qualified voters in the General Municipal Election that will be held on April 4, 2023,” he added.
After some discussion, Alderman Weiser moved to hear the bill for the first time. Alderman Hopke seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. City Attorney Amy Rost read the bill the first time. Alderman Hopke moved that the first reading of the bill be approved. The motion was seconded by Alderman Turner and all voted in favor. Alderman Weiser moved that the second reading of the bill be heard. The motion was seconded by Alderman Wenzel, which passed unanimously. Rost read the bill the second time. Alderman Hopke moved that the second reading of the bill be approved. The motion was second by Alderman Wheeler, and all voted in favor. Bill No. 23-1237 was duly passed and approved on Jan. 10, 2023, and the same shall hereafter be known as Ordinance No. 23-1237.
In other business, Berry explained that as the Missouri Supreme Court has authorized municipal administrative search warrants, and the city has determined that same is necessary for the public health and welfare and to assist the city in enforcing its ordinances relating to housing, zoning, health and safety. An Administrative search warrant is a written order of the judge of the City of Vandalia Municipal Court, commanding the search or inspection of any property, place or thing and the seizure, photographing, copying or recording of property or physical conditions found thereon or therein to determine or prove the existence of violations of any ordinance or Code Section of the City relating to the use, condition or occupancy of property or structures located within the City of Vandalia.
After some discussion, Alderman Hopke moved to hear the bill the first time. Alderman Turner seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Rost read the bill for the first time. Alderman Shaw moved that the first reading of the bill be approved. The motion was seconded by Alderman Weiser and all voted in favor. Alderman Weiser moved that the second reading of the bill be heard. The motion was seconded by Alderman Wenzel which passed unanimously. Rost read the bill the second time. Alderman Hopke moved that the second reading of the bill be approved. The motion was second by Alderman Turner, and all voted in favor. Bill No. 23-1238 was duly passed and approved on Jan. 10, 2023, and the same shall hereafter be known as Ordinance No. 23-1238.