The Cannabis Freedom Act Introduced

(Jefferson City, MO) Missouri State Representative Ron Hicks, of St. Charles, is bringing forth a House Bill called the "Cannabis Freedom Act", an omnibus marijuana legalization bill that proposes many things including the legalization of marijuana for adult use, the release of all marijuana offenders who are considered not violent, the creation of a protocol for individuals to expunge prior marijuana offenses, and it allows individuals on probation or parole to legally use marijuana. On the business side the bill also creates a tax deduction for those denied marijuana licenses in Missouri's medical marijuana program in the amount of application fees paid to the state, it creates a tax deduction for marijuana business operators who can't deduct business expenses from federal taxation, and creates protections for banks doing business with legal marijuana businesses. The measure also allows hospitality operators, including bars, restaurants, and lodging establishments, to provide legal marijuana consumption spaces.