Navigating Marijuana in the Workplace with the Missouri Chamber of Commerce

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry partnered with the Husch Blackwell law firm in St. Louis to release a presentation that outlines their perspective on marijuana legalization and regulation in the state. The presentation covers a wide range of topics, from the potential economic benefits of legalization to the potential health and social concerns associated with cannabis use.

Economic Benefits of Legalization

One of the main arguments in favor of legalizing marijuana in Missouri is the potential economic benefits. Blackwell cites data from other states that have legalized cannabis, which shows that legal marijuana sales can generate significant tax revenue for state and local governments. Additionally, legal marijuana sales can create new job opportunities in the industry, from cultivation and production to retail and distribution.

Legalizing marijuana in Missouri could generate up to $100 million in new tax revenue and create up to 20,000 new jobs. However, the presentation also notes that these projections are based on data from other states and may not reflect the specific conditions in Missouri.

Health and Social Concerns

Despite the potential economic benefits of legalizing marijuana, they also highlight the potential health and social concerns associated with cannabis use, noting that marijuana use can have negative effects on mental health, including increased risk of anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Additionally, they share research linking cannabis use to impaired cognitive function, particularly in adolescents and young adults.

Blackwell also notes that legalization could lead to an increase in marijuana use, which could have social consequences such as increased impaired driving and workplace accidents, suggesting that any legalization effort in Missouri should include measures to address these potential health and social concerns, such as funding for drug education programs and increased enforcement of impaired driving laws.

Regulatory Framework

The Missouri Chamber also outlines its perspective on the regulatory framework that should be in place if marijuana is legalized in the state, suggesting that any regulatory framework should prioritize public safety, including measures to ensure that marijuana is not sold to minors and that products are accurately labeled and tested for quality and safety.

They also recommend that a regulatory framework should prioritize small businesses and local control, allowing for a diverse range of businesses to enter the market and creating opportunities for small businesses to participate in the industry.

While the presentation supports the legalization of marijuana in Missouri, it also emphasizes the need for a careful regulatory framework that prioritizes public safety, small businesses, and local control. As the debate over marijuana legalization continues in Missouri, this presentation provides a valuable perspective on the issues at stake.

You can view the full presentation and download the slides here…