Marijuana Business Magazine October 2018

Missouri An organizer for a medical cannabis initiative is suing to remove two related measures from the November ballot. Springfield doctor and attorney Brad Bradshaw filed two separate lawsuits seeking to invalidate the medical marijuana initiatives submitted by New Approach Missouri and Jefferson City attorney Lowell Pearson. Bradshaw’s initiative, Find the Cures, would impose a 15% retail tax rate on medical marijuana, compared with 4% for New Approach and 2% for Missourians for Patient Care. Three initiatives were certified for the November ballot, and some observers are concerned multiple ballot initiatives could confuse voters. Montana The state health department said it won’t allow new medical marijuana dispensary licenses in Billings, the state’s largest city. The health agency is deferring to the city’s ordinance that requires licensed Billings businesses to follow federal law – a provision that would bar MMJ dispensaries from being permitted. A state inspector said new or existing businesses seeking approval or renewal must either be located outside Billings or have a valid permit from the city. Two existing medical marijuana dispensaries in Billings – Montana Organic Medical Supply and Montana Advanced Caregivers – have taken legal action against the city to remain open. October 2018 • Marijuana Business Magazine • 27