Missouri regulators issue adult use implementation timeline

Today is the effective date of Amendment 3 legalizing adult use marijuana in Missouri. With that comes a bevy of questions from patients, consumers, operators and applicants.

As such, the Department of Health and Human Services Division of Cannabis regulation today issued a guidance graphic including a timeline for implementation of adult use in the state.

While adults over age 21 are now free to possess, transport, share, and gift marijuana – many questions remain. The start dates for consumer cultivation and adult use sales, a timeline for out-of-state reciprocity and out-of-state medical applications, as well as the timeline for microbusiness applications and license awards.

As of today, any new patient or renewed patient license will be valid for 3 years, the Department also began accepting conversion requests from facilities wanting to move from a medical marijuana facility license to a comprehensive marijuana facility license.

    

On January 7, 2023, the Department will make available applications and instructions for consumer home cultivators. On or before February 6, the Department will issue finalized program rules for both the medical marijuana and adult use marijuana programs and the department will begin to process consumer cultivation applications. While adult use sales are mentioned in the graphic, the wording suggests that some dispensaries may not be licensed by this point – an important clarification will come in how the Department treats those applicants applying for conversion with regard to proposed rules.

On June 6, the Department will make available microbusiness license forms and instructions. Beginning September 4, the Department will accept applications for microbusiness licenses. Applications will be accepted through October 4.

On December 3, 2023, microbusinesses awarded licenses by lottery will be reviewed for eligibility verification.

View the full graphic below.