Missouri’s Medical Cannabis Operators Apply for New License to Serve Adult-Use Market

The majority of Missouri’s medical cannabis operators have applied for a new license to serve the adult-use market since the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) started accepting applications Dec. 8.

Regulators have received applications for comprehensive licenses from 318 of the state’s 322 medical cannabis licensees, according to an OzarksFirst.com report.

A comprehensive license will allow medical cannabis cultivators, manufacturers and dispensaries to serve the broader adult-use market in addition to registered patients.

The DHSS has 60 days to approve the applications.

A spokesperson for the department told OzarksFirst.com that state officials are currently focused on finalizing the state’s adult-use cannabis regulations, which must be completed by Feb. 6, 2023.

The DHSS will not issue any comprehensive licenses until the final rules are in place, according to the news outlet.

Missouri voters approved adult-use cannabis legalization in the November election.

The measure’s cannabis possession provisions took effect Dec. 8, and applications for personal cultivation will be available Jan. 7, according to a DHSS timeline.

Commercial adult-use cannabis sales could launch as early as February.