FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

October 30, 2020

Plaintiffs’ Statement on Trial Concluding in State’s Handling of Medical Marijuana Licenses

Dr. Paul Callicoat, a retired cardiologist and principal of Sarcoxie Nursery, speaking on behalf of the plaintiffs, released the following statement in response to the conclusion of trial in their lawsuit against Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services over its handling of medical marijuana licenses:

We believe the evidence presented at trial clearly demonstrates the state has created a flawed program that violates state constitutional Amendment 2 by denying patients access to medical marijuana and preventing the competitive market from working so that businesses are free to compete as any other business in Missouri. We appreciate the judge’s decision to allow both parties the opportunity to submit additional supporting information by Nov. 30 before ruling on our lawsuit.

It’s unfortunate that we were forced to seek a remedy through the courts, but we used our voices and credibility to convince voters to pass Amendment 2 and are committed to ensuring that the tenents are carried out as promised.

We believe in the potential that medical marijuana holds for patients, as well as local and state economies. Our research also shows Missouri can generate over 39,000 new jobs, $37 million in new income tax revenue and over $33 million in new fee revenue dedicated to veterans by eliminating the limits on licenses. The state acknowledges it has collected $25 million in program fees, and yet only $2.1 million has been transferred to Missouri Veterans Commission to benefit our war heroes who are dying as COVID-19 spreads in our veterans homes – a fact we find especially egregious.

Finally, we are grateful for the outpouring of support and encouragement that we have received over these dark months.