Missouri ballot measures proposed to legalize marijuana

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Advocates can begin collecting signatures for two proposed Missouri ballot measures that would legalize marijuana.

The secretary of state's office said Monday the initiative petitions have been approved for circulation to get them on the 2012 ballot.

One proposal would amend the Missouri Constitution to legalize cannabis for people 21 and older, allow doctors to recommend use of medicinal marijuana and release prison inmates convicted of nonviolent offenses related to cannabis. It would also allow the Legislature to enact a marijuana tax of up to $100 per pound.

The second proposal is similar but would enact a state law instead of amending the Missouri Constitution.