The best reason for legalizing medical marijuana sales in Missouri is that anywhere from $9 million to $66 million from taxing pot sales is going up in smoke. Missouri is cash-strapped and lawmakers shouldn’t turn their backs on a significant way to raise revenue.

Three legalization petitions being circulated across Missouri emphasize the profit potential that is being missed by not taxing medical marijuana sales. With at least 22 ballot proposals aimed at persuading voters to join the pro-pot movement next year, Missouri could become the 30th state to make good money from weed sales.