Missouri
Regulatory Framework
The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) is the lead regulator for both medical and adult use cannabis in the state. The division is within the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) [^1].
Legal Status
In 2022, Missouri voters legalized adult use cannabis by passage of Amendment 3 after medical cannabis was legalized in the state in 2018. Retail cannabis sales began in February 2023 [^2].
The Missouri Department of Agriculture ran their an industrial hemp until 2022. Due to a decline in hemp registration and permitting applicants have had to "complete the licensing application through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Domestic Hemp Production Program." [^3]
| Market | Status | Statute | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult-Use | Legal | Amendment 3 | 2022 | [^4] |
| Medical | Legal | Amendment 2 | 2019 |
Track-and-Trace
Missouri uses METRC for adult-use cannabis traceability [^5]. DHSS also maintains a "Statewide Track and Trace System" bulletin page [^6].
Licensing
Currently, the only available license type is for cannabis microbusinesses. DCR has guidance for applicants and may publish information on future licensing opportunities [^7] [^8].
Possession Limits
Under the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) Section 579.015 adults 21+ can possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower. Possession of more than 3 ounces and up to 10 ounces is a misdemeanor with a fine, while more than 10 ounces is a felony. Possession of more than 3 ounces and up to 10 ounces is a misdemeanor with a fine, while more than 10 ounces is a felony [^9].
Cultivation Limits
| Patient, caregivers, and adults 21+ can cultivate cannabis within a private residence and out of public view [^10]. Guidance on cannabis cultivation for each group has been outlined by DCR [^11]. | Item | Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flowering plants | 6 | Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) Section 579.055 | |
| Immature plants | 6 | Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) Section 579.055 | |
| Plants under 14 inches | 6 | Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) Section 579.055 |
Medical Cannabis
DHSS also regulates medical use of cannabis. Qualifying medical conditions include: cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, intractable migraines, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic or terminal medical conditions as determined by a physician, or "Debilitating psychiatric disorders...if diagnosed by a state licensed psychiatrist" [^12]. DHSS maintains a patient information page with registration information for patients and caregivers [^13].
Additional Resources
- Wikpedia: Cannabis in Missouri https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_in_Missouri
- Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/index.php
- Kansas City, MO Marijuana Regulations https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/city-planning-development/medical-marijuana-regulations
References
- [^1] Cannabis Regulation," Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation. https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/index.php (accessed July 19, 2024).
- [^2] Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. https://health.mo.gov/ (accessed July 19, 2024).
- [^3] Industrial Hemp Program, Missouri Department of Agriculture. https://agriculture.mo.gov/plants/industrial-hemp/ (accessed July 19, 2024).
- [^4] "Missouri Amendment 3, Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2022)," Ballotopedia. https://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_Amendment_3,_Marijuana_Legalization_Initiative_(2022) (accessed July 19, 2024).
- [^5] "METRC Track-and-Trace System Expands to Missouri Adult-Use Marijuana Market.," MJBizDaily. https://mjbizdaily.com/metrc-track-and-trace-system-expands-to-missouri-adult-use-marijuana-market/ (accessed July 19, 2024).
- [^6] Statewide Track and Trace System | Medical Marijuana, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/fac-state-track-trace-system.php (accessed July 19, 2024).
- [^7] How to Apply - Facility Information | Medical Marijuana, Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation. https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/how-to-apply-fi.php (accessed July 19, 2024).
- [^8] General FAQs | Medical Marijuana, Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation. https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/faqs-micro.php (accessed July 19, 2024).
- [^9] Section 579.015, Revised Statutes of Missouri. https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=579.015 (accessed July 19, 2024).
- [^10] Section 579.055, Revised Statutes of Missouri. https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=579.055 (accessed July 19, 2024).
- [^11] Cultivation Patient/Caregiver & Consumer, Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation. https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/patient-cultivation.php (accessed July 19, 2024).
- [^12] Qualifying Conditions | Medical Marijuana," Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/how-to-apply.php (accessed July 19, 2024).
- [^13] "How to Apply - Patient Information," Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/how-to-apply-pi.php (accessed July 19, 2024).