December caps a record-setting sales year for Missouri’s marijuana market

Missouri’s marijuana industry closed out 2024 with a historic performance in December, achieving new monthly sales records and solidifying its position as a top cannabis market in the United States.

December marijuana sales reached $130.89 million, a 2.2% increase from the previous record of $128.07 million that was set in November.

This marks the highest single-month sales total in Missouri’s cannabis program history, driven by robust recreational sales and a steady medical cannabis demand.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Recreational cannabis sales contributed $115.47 million, or approximately 88.2% of the monthly total. But medical marijuana sales have found renewed stability around the $15 million monthly mark, adding $15.42 million, maintaining consistency in that range throughout the year.

The record-breaking sales in December pushed total 2024 sales to $1.46 billion, surpassing 2023’s annual total of $1.34 billion by nearly 9%.

Cumulatively, Missouri’s marijuana sales have now exceeded $3.4 billion since the program’s inception in 2020.

Trends Driving Growth

Recreational sales have consistently surpassed $100 million monthly since March 2024, while medical marijuana sales have stabilized around $15 million per month.

Daily sales averages reflect the market’s stability a bit more clearly than total monthly sales. For the year, Missouri licensed retailers averaged approximately $3.99 million in marijuana sales each day.

- January 2024: $3.54 million
- February 2024: $4.05 million
- March 2024: $4.02 million
- April 2024: $4.00 million
- May 2024: $3.99 million
- June 2024: $3.99 million
- July 2024: $3.99 million
- August 2024: $4.07 million
- September 2024: $3.91 million
- October 2024: $3.98 million
- November 2024: $4.27 million
- December 2024: $4.22 million

Economic Impact and 2025 Outlook

The cannabis industry’s economic contributions to Missouri are undeniable, with cumulative sales since February 2023 now exceeding $2.3 billion for adult use alone. These figures translate to significant tax revenue and job creation, further establishing cannabis as a cornerstone of the state’s economy.

This week, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) announced the transfer of $5,459,172 to state agencies.

This brings the total funds generated by the adult-use marijuana program for the current fiscal year to $21,836,688.

Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC): $7,278,896 for health care and services for military veterans and their families.
Missouri State Public Defender: $7,278,896 for legal assistance to low-income Missourians.
DHSS: $7,278,896 to operate a grant program focused on increasing access to evidence-based drug addiction treatment, overdose prevention, job placement, housing, and counseling services.

These tax revenues underscore the broader economic and social contributions of the cannabis industry, extending beyond sales figures to directly benefit veterans, underserved populations, and public health initiatives.

Looking ahead, 2025 is poised to continue this success. Trends in consumer demand, product innovation, and the introduction of new microbusiness operators promise a vibrant year for Missouri’s cannabis market. Additionally, as the industry matures, opportunities to enhance efficiency and address regulatory challenges will play a crucial role in sustaining growth.