DCR awards 48 approved marijuana microbusiness licenses awarded; refund process for unselected applicants announced

The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) has announced the award of 48 marijuana microbusiness licenses to approved candidates selected during the lottery held on August 28.

The distribution ensured six licenses for each of the state’s eight congressional districts. Each district received two microbusiness dispensary licenses and four microbusiness wholesale facility licenses. Before the issuance, the DCR meticulously reviewed the chosen applications to ascertain applicants’ eligibility. If an application from a top-drawn candidate failed to satisfy the requirements, the subsequent application on the drawing list was assessed.

Approved candidates are advised to check their emails for the approval notice and an acceptance letter containing further instructions. As per 19 CSR 100-1.060(6)(D), the acceptance letter should be completed, signed, and returned to the department within 48 hours; failure to comply will lead to license deactivation.

DCR has issued denial notices to applicants who did not meet the specified criteria, outlining the reasons for denial. Denied candidates can either seek a review of the denial through the Administrative Hearing Commission or request a refund for the application fee. For those not chosen in the lottery but meeting the licensing criteria, a refund is attainable provided there are no ongoing or upcoming legal cases against the applicant. The department will start processing refund requests from November 2, 2023, which must be submitted through a Microbusiness Application Refund Request form available on the Department’s website.

Find a full list of approved and denied applicants here.

If post-issuance review reveals that a licensee provided false or misleading information in their application, the license may face revocation as stipulated by 19 CSR 100-1.020(3)(C).