Cannabis Possession Legal in Missouri Starting Dec. 8

Cannabis possession is legal in Missouri as of Dec. 8 after voters approved an adult-use legalization measure in the November election.

Adults 21 and older can now legally possess and use cannabis in the state, but commercial sales have yet to launch.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) began accepting requests Dec. 8 from state-licensed medical cannabis facilities looking to transition their operations to serve the expanded adult-use market, according to a timeline from the department.

Applications for personal cultivation will be available Jan. 7, and adult-use program rules are to be finalized by Feb. 6.

Adult-use cannabis may be available in dispensaries in February, according to the timeline, and the state will begin accepting personal cultivation licenses that month, as well.

RELATED: Missouri’s Adult-Use Cannabis Market Could Launch in February 2023

Missouri officials are expected to issue an additional 144 adult-use dispensary licenses by early 2025.