Marijuana sales tax will be voted on
Tuesday is Springfield's special election held solely to ask local residents whether the city should impose an additional 3% sales tax on recreational marijuana.
When Missouri voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana in November 2022, a statewide 6% sales tax on recreational sales was established. The additional 3% was left up to local municipalities to impose with voter approval. In May, Springfield City Council approved the single-issue ballot going before voters.
The current sales tax within Springfield's city limits is 8.1%. If the additional sales tax is approved, those purchasing recreational marijuana products in Springfield would pay a total 17.1% sales tax.
According to a city news release, the additional tax could generate up to $1.8 million a year in revenue which would be used toward "public safety, mental health services, housing, and substance abuse services." The 3% tax would not apply to sales of medical marijuana.
Only registered voters within the city limits of Springfield are eligible to cast their votes in this election.
