In Buchanan County, Missouri, Circuit Judge Daniel Kellogg ruled that the county government can impose an additional tax on adult-use cannabis sales, even within Saint Joseph city limits. This decision aligns with a previous ruling by St. Louis County Circuit Judge Brian May, allowing both city and county governments to levy taxes on cannabis sales.
Legal Dispute
Vertical Enterprise of St. Joseph filed a lawsuit against the Buchanan County Collector’s office, Missouri Department of Revenue, and Buchanan County Clerk’s office over the additional 3% tax. Missouri’s cannabis sales taxes can reach up to 12%, including state and local taxes.
Industry Response
Vertical CEO Chris McHugh expressed consumer outrage over the high taxes. The legal interpretation confirms that both city and county authorities can impose cannabis taxes.
This ruling solidifies the authority of local governments in Missouri to levy additional taxes on cannabis sales, impacting businesses and consumers alike.