Cannabis Business in Missouri

In December 2022, the Missouri introduced comprehensive licenses, allowing medical facilities to transition into businesses that serve both medical patients and recreational consumers. This change has attracted attention from investors and entrepreneurs eager to tap into the potential of a newly evolving cannabis business landscape.

In Fiscal Year 2023, Missouri’s cannabis market generated over $36 million in combined medical and adult-use tax revenue, highlighting the sector's economic contributions. Sales in the same year totaled $1.3 billion, with $302 million coming from the medical market and $1 billion from adult-use marijuana. These figures underscore the growing importance of cannabis to Missouri’s economy, making it a promising area for business development.

Cannabis Business Licenses in MO

Missouri offers several licenses for plant-touching businesses involved in the cultivation, production, and sale of cannabis products. These plant-touching businesses are regulated by the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation, which ensures compliance with state laws and oversees the licensing process. Some of the key licenses available include:

• Medical Marijuana License – Allows the cultivation and sale of medical cannabis products.
• Comprehensive Facility License – Permits both medical and adult-use cannabis sales from a single facility.
• Class A, B, and C Marijuana Grower Licenses – Authorize the cultivation of marijuana plants based on scale.
• Marijuana Processor – Allows businesses to process cannabis into oils, edibles, and concentrates.
• Marijuana Retailer – Licensed to sell cannabis products directly to consumers.

Missouri began issuing comprehensive facility licenses in December 2022, allowing existing medical facilities to convert their licenses and sell to both medical patients and adult-use consumers.

CBD Regulations in Missouri

Hemp-derived CBD is legal in Missouri and does not require a prescription. However, marijuana-derived CBD oil is only available to patients with a medical marijuana card. CBD products can be purchased in a variety of locations, such as wellness centers, grocery stores, and convenience stores. Missourians can also purchase CBD online.

There is no legal age restriction for purchasing hemp-derived CBD in Missouri, but individual sellers may choose to prohibit sales to minors. The state allows for the inclusion of hemp-derived CBD in food and beverages.

While cannabis businesses can sell hemp-derived CBD products, the lack of clarity surrounding regulations can sometimes lead to penalties for sellers. Buyers, on the other hand, are rarely punished for possessing or purchasing hemp products.

Hemp Business Licenses in Missouri

The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) regulates hemp cultivation and processing in Missouri. The state has a variety of hemp-related business licenses available.

Registered Producer Permit

• Allows for the cultivation of hemp.
• Applicants must be Missouri residents and pass a criminal background check.
• Applicants must provide details about the land intended for cultivation, including its size, legal title, and GPS coordinates.

Agricultural Hemp Propagule and Seed Permit

• Authorizes the sale and distribution of industrial hemp.
• Does not permit cultivation.

Permit for Certified Industrial Hemp Samplers

• Allows for the collection of hemp samples for testing.
• Applicants must pay a fee, pass an exam, and undergo training.

Fees

• Hemp license applications require a non-refundable fee of $750.
• Licenses are valid for three years, and the annual renewal fee is also $750.

In addition to these licenses, the MDA also regulates the use of pesticides on hemp crops.

Interested parties may be able to find a cannabis business for sale in Missouri. Anyone considering starting a cannabis business in Missouri should carefully review all applicable regulations.