IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION opposing the legalization of marijuana for recreational or medical purposes.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 18395, February 10, 2014
INTRODUCED BY Bob Spence, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, the residents and elected officials of the State of Missouri are urged to oppose the legalization of marijuana for recreational or medical purposes; and,
WHEREAS, research demonstrates the long-term marijuana usage and abuse can lead to addiction and dependence on other type of drugs; and,
WHEREAS, studies indicate that the age of first marijuana use in Missouri is 13.62 years and nationally the age of first marijuana use is 13.91; and,
WHEREAS, marijuana use impairs the brain's effectiveness, ability to concentrate, coordination, and ability to retain information, by changing the way sensory information reaches and is processed by the brain; and,
WHEREAS, compared to non-smoking peers, students who smoke marijuana tend to get lower grades and are more likely to drop out of high school; and,
WHEREAS, in Colorado from 2006 to 2011, traffic fatalities involving drivers testing positive for just marijuana increased by 114 percent; and,
WHEREAS, it is estimated that taxing marijuana would produce the same gap in tax revenue versus marijuana-related costs, such as health care, criminal justice, and workplace issues; and,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri, that the Legislature opposes the legalization of marijuana within the State of Missouri for recreational or medical purposes.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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