Missouri’s commercial cannabis cultivators open to new genetic sources following regulatory shift

Missouri’s commercial cannabis cultivators open to new genetic sources following regulatory shift

 

The Division of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) in Missouri has recently aligned its policies with federal guidance, significantly expanding opportunities for cannabis cultivators in the state. Previously, Missouri’s regulations placed limitations on the sources from which commercial cultivators could acquire cannabis seeds. However, with the DCR’s adoption of current federal guidelines, cultivators can now source seeds from any location and integrate them into the state’s METRC compliance system.

The updated language reads that cultivation facilities have the ability to, “Acquire and transfer marijuana seeds from entities not licensed under this chapter if doing so does not violate state or federal law.”

This allows licensees to acquire marijuana seeds from third parties, and transfer seeds acquired from third parties to their own cultivation facility or warehouse storage
facility.

A spokesperson from DCR explained, “Our rule states in 19 CSR 100-1.160(1): A cultivation licensee’s authority to engage in the process of cultivating marijuana includes the ability to…acquire and transfer marijuana seeds from entities not licensed under this chapter if doing so does not violate state or federal law.” They further clarified that “the DEA has issued letters confirming that cannabis seeds are not controlled under the [Controlled Substances Act] CSA if they contain a Delta-9 THC concentration of no more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. DHSS is following the current guidance from the DEA.”

    

This alignment with DEA guidelines effectively opens the door for unlimited genetic acquisitions, enhancing the ability of Missouri cultivators to innovate and diversify their offerings. The reclassification of cannabis seeds by the DEA, which aligns them with the legal status of hemp, removes previous barriers and allows Missouri cultivators to explore a broader range of genetic options.

DCR’s adherence to federal oversight ensures that all seed acquisitions and subsequent integrations into METRC remain fully compliant with both state and federal regulations. This alignment not only provides cultivators with new opportunities for growth but also ensures that the cannabis industry in Missouri can continue to develop within a legal and regulated framework.

By removing previous limitations and allowing access to a wider array of cultivars, Missouri is regulators have remedied one of the longest standing complaints of licensed operators, following an immaculate conception period, licensees would have been limited to in-state genetics in order to grow and propogate.

This regulatory shift allows flexibility and growth for cannabis licensees and keeps current with legal developments, enabling Missouri’s cannabis industry to thrive in a compliant and innovative manner.