Missouri’s Supreme Court has ruled counties can’t stack cannabis sales taxes over city taxes. Here’s how the decision affects dispensaries, local budgets, and marijuana customers across St. Louis and St. Charles counties.

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Missouri Supreme Court Limits Cannabis Taxes

The Missouri Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that St. Louis County and St. Charles County cannot add their own marijuana sales taxes in areas where cities or towns already collect a similar tax. The 6-1 decision overturns a lower court’s ruling, impacting sales at dispensaries across dozens of local jurisdictions.

Voters in April 2023 approved a 3% local cannabis sales tax in both counties—by 65% in St. Louis County and 72% in St. Charles County. However, dispensaries argued that state law only allows either a county or a city to levy the extra tax, not both, within the same municipality. The court noted that counties are only authorized to tax sales in unincorporated areas. The Missouri Cannabis Trade Association estimated the ruling will save customers $3 million in taxes annually.

County officials expressed disappointment, citing the loss of revenue. The full opinion is available online.

AROUND TOWN

Attorneys are seeking to expedite a lawsuit aiming to halt Missouri’s $50 million expansion of private school vouchers. Filed by two public school teachers and the Missouri National Education Association on June 30, the lawsuit challenges the use of taxpayer funds for the MOScholars program, arguing it violates the state constitution. With the new school year beginning soon, plaintiffs are requesting that Treasurer Vivek Malek respond within seven days, warning that funds distributed now could be difficult to recover. Gov. Mike Kehoe, who signed House Bill 12, wants the funds used this year, despite legislative opposition and ongoing legal uncertainty. Recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent clouds Missouri’s constitutional ban. The outcome may impact 6,000 additional students, building on the 2,700 scholarships issued in 2024.

Matthew Tkachuk brought the Stanley Cup to St. Louis on Monday after his weekend wedding. The Florida Panthers star, who married Ellie at the Ritz-Carlton Clayton Saturday, began his Cup celebrations at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, marking the second year he’s visited the young patients first. Tkachuk, who clinched the Cup in Game 6 against Edmonton despite a spring injury scare, also visited Brentwood police and fire departments and celebrated with family. The Panthers repeat as NHL champs for the first time in franchise history; fans can learn about Tkachuk’s St. Louis visit online.

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Council Reaffirms Spanish Lake Study

The St. Louis County Council on Tuesday reaffirmed its $325,000 funding for a development study in Spanish Lake, North County, using money from the Rams-NFL lawsuit settlement. The study aims to prepare for the 2027 opening of the St. Louis Zoo’s WildCare Park and the expected increase in visitors.

Some council members opposed the measure, citing repeated studies with limited results and calling for the implementation of funding instead. Supporters, including the St. Louis Association of Realtors, see the study as an opportunity to attract businesses and improve infrastructure. Read more on the Spanish Lake development study.

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Three Kings Expands to Cottleville

Three Kings Public House will open its fourth location in early fall at 5045 State Highway N in Cottleville, taking over the former Salty’s Bistro space and adjacent suite. Renovations for the 4,000-square-foot restaurant are underway, with owner Derek Deaver aiming to create an enclosed patio and private event spaces.

The menu will mirror Three Kings’ other locations, including recently launched gluten-free options, which have boosted food sales by 10 to 11 percent. Follow updates on the restaurant’s social media for the official opening date.

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St. Louis economic development agency plans to request proposals for 24/7 security at the historic Wainwright Building downtown, following the State of Missouri's recent departure and ongoing efforts to attract new developers.

Extreme heat warnings and advisories are in effect for all of Missouri through 7 p.m. on Thursday, as index values may reach 110. Rural corn field areas are facing extra humidity due to the "corn sweat" phenomenon.

The St. Louis NAACP chapter is calling on the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance to investigate and address alleged discriminatory insurance practices affecting underinsured and uninsured homeowners in north St. Louis following the May tornado.

Investigators in O’Fallon, Missouri, used DNA evidence to solve four 1990 murders, charging Gary Muehlberg, while a recent exhumation in Jefferson County aims to identify Olson’s remains through national DNA databases unavailable at his death.

St. Louis delayed releasing its 2024 public pay records by 105 days, continuing a multi-year trend of slow compliance with the Sunshine Law, despite state deadlines and a mayoral pledge for greater transparency.

GENERATING BUZZ

A striking sight was recently spotted on the north side of Tower Grove Park. Check it out.