Iowa legislators on Wednesday, Jan. 5 released the text of a proposed constitutional amendment that would legalize recreational marijuana usage.
Sens. Joe Bolkcom, Sarah Trone Garriot and Janet Petersen hosted the Wednesday afternoon news conference unveiling the text of the amendment, which would regulate the production, sale and consumption of products made from marijuana in a manner similar to the state’s regulation of alcohol.
“The amendment specifies that the Iowa Alcohol and Beverage Division, which regulates alcohol sales in Iowa, would regulate marijuana for adult use,” Bolkam said in a statement accompanying the legislation. “It also establishes a state tax rate not to exceed 20% on retail sales and a tax rate up to 2% for local communities and counties that allow retails sales.”
Not everyone is in favor of passing the new law.
Sen. Brad Zaun said legalizing recreational marijuana use is only a focus of State Democrats to overshadow any plans more pressing issues in Iowa.
“Gimmicks like a constitutional amendment on recreational marijuana do a better job of illustrating the lack of ideas Senate Democrats have to solve the problems of Iowans than any response I have. We will continue cutting taxes, supporting law enforcement, and empowering parents in their children’s education. I have no intentions of advancing this bill out of the Judiciary Committee.” [Read more at weareiowa.com]
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