Missouri Cannabis Licensing Opportunities
Missouri is making strides in its cannabis laws: legalizing medical cannabis in 2018 and recreational cannabis in 2022. With the state's cannabis market potential, entrepreneurs can soon apply for a microbusiness facility license to open a cannabis business in Missouri.
Missouri Adult-Use Cannabis Business Legalization
In recent years, Missouri saw significant changes in its cannabis laws. In 2018, voters approved a constitutional amendment legalizing medical cannabis, making Missouri one of 36 states to legalize medical cannabis. Since then, the state has made significant progress in implementing its medical cannabis program, with the first dispensary opening in December 2019. Patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain medical cannabis with a recommendation from a licensed physician.
In November 2022, Amendment 3 was approved by voters making Missouri the 21st state to legalize recreational cannabis. In addition to legalizing the sale of recreational cannabis for people over 21 years of age, Amendment 3 also expunged criminal records for some cannabis-related offenses. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Division of Cannabis Regulation will oversee the new recreational cannabis industry and licensing process.
How to Open a Cannabis Business in Missouri
Missouri limited the first recreational cannabis business licenses to existing medical cannabis operators. On June 6, 2023, the DHHS will post application instructions to apply for a microbusiness facility license. Director of Missouri’s Division of Cannabis Regulation, Amy Moore told the Springfield News-Leader 48 applicants will be chosen in the first round of licensing in October followed by two more rounds of 48 applicants nine months apart for a total of 144 microbusiness facility licenses by April 2025.
Missouri Cannabis Microbusiness Facility
A microbusiness facility is either a microbusiness dispensary facility or a microbusiness wholesale facility. A microbusiness allows a pathway to ownership to qualified individuals. Applicants must be majority owned by a person who meets at least one of the following, but not limited to, qualifications:
New worth of less than $250,000
Veterans with a service-connected disability
Arrested, prosecuted, or convicted of a non-violent cannabis offense (or family member)
Missouri Recreational Cannabis Timeline
June 6 – microbusiness application forms and instructions available
Sept 4-Oct 4 – microbusiness applications accepted (1st round)
Dec 3 – microbusiness applications reviewed for eligibility
June 2024 – microbusiness applications accepted (2nd round)
Aug 2024 – microbusiness applications reviewed for eligibility.
March 2025 - microbusiness applications accepted (3rd round)
May 2025 – microbusiness applications reviewed for eligibility
Missouri Cannabis Market
Missouri is the 19th most populus state with 6,177,957 people. In the first month of adult-use sales, Missouri reached $71.7 million in sales. Compare that to Illinois’ first month at $39.2 million and New Jersey’s $24 million. Illinois is the only state bordering Missouri that allows recreational use—making Missouri an attractive market for cannatourism dollars from neighboring states.
Missouri Cannabis Consultants
With relatively low taxes and a high rate of cannabis users, Missouri is an attractive cannabis market to enter. The best way to apply for a cannabis facility license in Missouri is to meet with Missouri cannabis consultants. To see if Missouri expansion is right for you and your team, contact a Global Go today.