Missouri
Missouri: Missouri: The new haven for pot smokers in US Midwest – Times of India
“They won’t legalize it in Kansas. They will not give us medical (utilization),” says 64-year-old Burgett, clad in a denim jacket.
The store with a drive-through window is in a rundown a part of Kansas Metropolis, simply off the freeway and over the border into Missouri, the largely conservative Midwestern state that’s the newest to legalize the leisure use of hashish.
The brand new regulation, permitted by voters in a referendum in November, has sparked an financial increase for the “Present Me” state, fueled by hundreds of pot people who smoke from the eight states alongside its borders, most of which haven’t legalized the drug.
For Burgett, making the lengthy drive is “simpler than getting it off the streets.”
She finally ends up shopping for chewing gum infused with THC, the energetic ingredient in hashish, one of many fashionable edibles in a rustic the place greater than half of the 50 states have decriminalized marijuana in some type.
Burgett, who labored as a dietician, and Knight, a pastry chef by coaching, are actually each retired.
Earlier than Missouri’s new legislation took impact, the pair used to drive from Kansas to Colorado — an eight-hour journey in every course — to make their purchases. The mountain state was one of many first to liberalize its hashish consumption legal guidelines.
That journey “value us more cash, virtually as a lot because the marijuana,” mentioned Knight, who suffers from arthritis and melancholy.
“Now, we simply go three hours. And it is actually good for you. It is actually good,” she added, a small packet in her hand and a smile on her face.
Of the states on Missouri’s border, solely Illinois has moved to decriminalize leisure hashish use, which means that dispensaries just like the one in Kansas Metropolis — one in all a number of Correct Hashish areas — are sitting on a possible gold mine.
At that individual outlet, greater than half of the patrons are from outdoors Missouri.
“We’re surrounded by so many states. They’re simply coming to us from all over the place. It is loopy,” says worker Chris Brown, his straggly hair escaping from a multicolored hat.
Throughout Missouri, hashish gross sales in February — when leisure use was legalized — totaled $103 million, as in contrast with $37.2 million the month earlier than, in response to the state’s well being division.
“That actually blew us away,” mentioned Jack Cardetti, spokesman for the Missouri Hashish Commerce Affiliation (MoCannTrade), which initiatives the native market will soar to greater than $1.2 billion in a 12 months’s time.
Twenty minutes from the shop the place Brown works, within the metropolis of Independence, an unmarked constructing is nestled between frost-covered fields and large warehouses.
Past the safety gates is a manufacturing facility with 30,000 sq. toes (2,800 sq. meters) of hashish crops.
Louie Sebald, sporting a hoodie and sporting a skinny mustache, is the director of cultivation for Illicit Gardens, which runs the plant. In three weeks, it will likely be working at full capability — 1,500 kilos (680 kilos) of buds a month.
The ceilings are lined with LED lamps, drip irrigation programs and sensors to watch humidity and different variables. An eerie inexperienced glow dimly illuminates the hallways and hashish dryers.
Sebald, 35, is hiring. The power wants to maneuver from 130 to almost 170 workers, working across the clock. Statewide, the sector employs 13,000 individuals, primarily in rural areas the place industrial and farm work is dwindling.
He explains the mathematics: “When you’re producing for $400 (a pound), and also you’re promoting for $2,300,” the earnings are clear.
The trade in Missouri isn’t ranging from zero. For the previous two years, medical marijuana use has been authorized.
The success of that initiative — jobs created, no main pushback or incidents reported, no political backlash — helped gas the marketing campaign for leisure use for Election Day 2022.
Ultimately, 53 % of voters mentioned sure to pot in a conservative-leaning state.
On the Illicit Gardens facility, one worker fastidiously flips buds, whereas within the room throughout the corridor, merchandise are packaged up. Joints are rolled on website as effectively.
“We purchase only one, then we’ll cease someplace, smoke it,” says Knight.
“Then we’ll go on residence.”
Missouri
Lawmakers question security at Missouri Capitol
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri lawmakers are criticizing Capitol Police for not being transparent enough during emergency situations.
A bipartisan panel of lawmakers told the chief of the Missouri Capitol Police Thursday they are concerned about their safety inside the statehouse. This comes after threats were made, but the General Assembly said it was not informed.
Now, members are calling for changes to the way the building is secured.
“These concerns stem from numerous occasions of threats, including bomb threats being made against the state Capitol building, without leadership in either body being notified,” Senate President Cindy O’Laughlin said during the committee hearing.
In one of their first hearings of the year, leaders of both chambers said they are troubled about the gap in information. Lawmakers said they want an immediate update on threats.
When asked if she feels safe in the Capitol, O’Laughlin said yes.
“We just want to let people know the things that do concern us, and we want to think that we’re well versed in what is expected for us and people who visit the Capitol,” she said.
Sen. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, chairs the Joint Committee on Capitol Security.
“Some people in the General Assembly and the staff have raised concerns and issues with that that have potentially hampered the capabilities of members and staff that would like to be efficiently and effectively able to perform and be a part of the solution and of the security apparatus of this building,” Brattin said.
In a letter signed by O’Laughlin and House Speaker Jon Patterson, R-Lee’s Summit, to Chief Zim Schwartze, they questioned why there’s only one entrance for visitors after the state paid for more than one metal detector.
“Members of the General Assembly and staff alike have been stopped from entering the building through certain entrances, while some members of the public are not even screened before entering the building,” O’Laughlin said.
The meeting comes on the heels of Monday’s governor inauguration. Schwartze said a security plan has been in the works for months.
“It is a very comprehensive plan, and we’ve been meeting regularly, as well as a lot of phone calls and a lot of emails, and a lot of information has been shared,” Schwartze said.
Under current rules, people who have a concealed carry permit are allowed to enter the Capitol with a firearm but cannot be in any legislative meeting rooms or in the House or Senate chambers.
The committee plans to meet again in the coming weeks.
Missouri
Missouri Department of Conservation warns of excessive ice-melting salt
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – While ice-melting salt is a standard solution for managing icy surfaces during winter, it can pose significant risks to plants and the environment if not used responsibly.
The Missouri Department of Conservation experts emphasize balancing personal safety with environmental care.
“It can have impacts on your plants, and since we all like our trees and plants, you don’t want to do anything to hurt them,” said Francis Skalicky, “at the same time, you don’t want to do anything that’ll make you slip and fall on the ice.”
The damage caused by ice-melting salt often goes unnoticed until the next growing season. Symptoms of contamination may include discoloration, reduced foliage, or stunted growth. To minimize such effects, experts advise using salt sparingly.
“A little bit of ice melt or rock salt goes a long way,” Skalicky added, “if you put a lot of it down, you’re causing environmental damage and also hurting your budget. The more you use, the less you’ll have for the next ice episode.”
For those seeking environmentally friendly options, some stores offer eco-friendly ice-melting salt.
Additionally, sand or kitty litter can provide traction on icy surfaces without harming nearby plants. These options, however, do not melt ice but can still enhance safety.
Selecting the correct type of ice-melting product for specific surfaces is also crucial.
Superintendent Jeff Dodson of North Wood Public Schools in Dent County says it’s not pretty.
“We used a particular ice melt that was supposed to be OK for concrete,” Dodson said, “it didn’t create issues across the entire pad, but where water pooled, the thin top layer of concrete popped off. Aesthetically, it’s not as nice as it was when the project was completed.”
If you notice signs of salt damage in your plants, applying gypsum to the soil may help mitigate the effects. For more information on gypsum applications and other solutions, click here.
To report a correction or typo, please email digitalnews@ky3.com. Please include the article info in the subject line of the email.
Copyright 2025 KY3. All rights reserved.
Missouri
Patrol reports eight arrests in north Missouri from Jan. 6 to Jan. 8, 2025
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Between January 6, 2025, and January 8, 2025, the Missouri State Highway Patrol made a total of eight arrests across north Missouri. The charges ranged from driving while intoxicated to felony parole violations.
It is important to note that, while all the individuals listed below have been reported as arrested, they may not have been physically transported to jail. Depending on the circumstances, an individual may be issued a summons, which includes a court date. When the Missouri State Highway Patrol issues a summons with a court date, it is considered an arrest, even if the individual is not physically taken to jail.
Paul C. Schuetz, 53, of Savannah, Missouri
On January 6, 2025, at 7:05 PM, Paul C. Schuetz was arrested in Andrew County. Schuetz was charged with failing to drive on the right half of the roadway and driving while intoxicated (alcohol). He was held at the Andrew County Law Enforcement Center on a 12-hour hold.
Roberto Lopez-Vargas, 31, of Des Moines, Iowa
Roberto Lopez-Vargas was arrested in Clinton County on January 8, 2025, at 5:37 PM. He faced charges of first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle, a felony, and operating a motor vehicle without a valid license, a misdemeanor. Lopez-Vargas was held at the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office on a 24-hour hold.
Derrick A. Woodruff, 41, of Kahoka, Missouri
On January 6, 2025, at 12:50 PM, Derrick A. Woodruff was arrested in Scotland County. His charges included driving while intoxicated (first offense), failure to maintain the right half of the roadway, and driving without insurance. Woodruff was held at the Clark County Jail on a 12-hour hold.
John W. Snell, 38, of Knox City, Missouri
John W. Snell was arrested in Lewis County on January 7, 2025, at 1:16 AM. He was taken into custody on a Shelby County warrant for a moving traffic violation. Snell was held at the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department and was bondable.
Peggy A. Stepuszek, 67, of Lockport, Illinois
On January 7, 2025, at 11:50 AM, Peggy A. Stepuszek was arrested in Macon County. She was charged with driving while intoxicated (alcohol) and speeding. Stepuszek was held at the Macon County Sheriff’s Office and later released.
Dillion S. Levings, 38, of Paris, Missouri
At 2:11 PM on January 7, 2025, Dillion S. Levings was arrested in Randolph County. He faced charges of aggravated driving while intoxicated, driving without a valid license, and failure to register a motor vehicle. Levings was held at the Randolph County Jail and was bondable.
Anthony R. Miller, 39, of Arbela, Missouri
On January 7, 2025, at 4:40 PM, Anthony R. Miller was arrested in Clark County. Miller faced charges of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released from the Clark County facility.
Jeffrey L. Kimbal, 45, of Brookfield, Missouri
Jeffrey L. Kimbal was arrested on January 7, 2025, at 6:44 PM in Linn County. Kimbal faced a felony charge for a parole violation warrant. He was held at the Linn County Jail without bond.
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