Missouri Dispensaries Open For Adult-Use Cannabis Sales
Missouri state officials announced on Friday, Feb. 3 that medical marijuana Dispensaries would be licensed for adult-use sales, making recreational marijuana legally available in the state. The Department of Health and Senior Services approved Dispensaries, allowing them to open their doors to recreational customers. The announcement follows the approval of recreational marijuana by 53 percent of Missouri voters in November.
Margaret Schmitz Rizzo, a customer seeking recreational cannabis, visited Fresh Green Dispensary in St. Louis to decide which vaping products to purchase. She was elated to find a variety of cannabis products, such as tasty gummies, that she could buy legally. "I'm so excited to have access to this now. I'm glad I can get the products I want without having to worry about the legal implications," she said.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services told KSHB 41 News that 97% of medicinal cannabis Dispensaries requested to expand their businesses to offer adult-use products. These Dispensaries, including Fresh Green Dispensary, will be able to sell recreational marijuana to any resident over the age of 21. However, customers must be aware that there are certain limits to purchasing products.
Consumers are only allowed to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana flower, and no more than 35 grams of cannabis concentrates per day. Marijuana will not be available for consumers to purchase in a Missouri licensed Dispensary facility until medical facility regulations are put in place.
The recreational marijuana market is expected to be a boost for the state's economy, as it is expected to bring in an estimated $450 million in revenue over the next five years. The Downtown West neighborhood has undergone a transformation due to the legal of recreational marijuana, with many businesses popping up to cater to the cannabis industry.
Besides the Dispensaries, Missouri also has a network of businesses dedicated to providing cannabis-related services. These services range from cannabis-focused law firms to cannabis delivery businesses.
In order to purchase recreational cannabis in Missouri, consumers must have a valid government-issued ID that proves they are at least 21 years old. They must also have a valid credit or debit card and a current mailing address. Customers must also be aware that there are certain restrictions to the sale of recreational marijuana, such as the amount that can be purchased at one time.
Adult use cannabis laws are now in effect across the state, but consumers should not line up at a Dispensary just yet. Unless you have a medical marijuana card, you will need to wait until the medical marijuana Program is established before you can purchase recreational cannabis.
The legal of recreational marijuana in Missouri is a significant milestone for the state, and it will be interesting to see how the cannabis industry develops over the next few years. With more Dispensaries opening up and more businesses providing cannabis services, it's clear that the future of cannabis in Missouri is bright.
