Missouri
Equity Project State Briefing
Legal Status
Is Cannabis Legal in Missouri?
- Adult-Use:
No
- Medical:
Yes
Cannabis in Missouri is only legal for medical purposes.
Date of Legalization
- Medical:
2018
Missouri legalized cannabis for medical use in 2018.
Source:
Ballotpedia | Missouri Amendment 2. The Medical Marijuana and Veteran Healthcare Services Initiative
Possession Limits
Qualified patients may only purchase four (4) ounces of dried, unprocessed marijuana per patient, in a thirty- (30-)day period. Qualifying patients may cultivate up to six (6) flowering marijuana plants and six (6) non-flowering marijuana plants.
Source:
Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. 19, § 30-95.030. Subsection (5) (A) Purchase and limitations
Other Licensing Provisions
License Caps
- License Caps:
Yes
Missouri is a limited license state and has medical use licensing caps. The number of dispensary facility licenses will be limited to one hundred ninety-two (192) unless the department determines the limit must be increased in order to meet the demand for medical marijuana by qualifying patients.
Source:
Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. 19, § 30-95.080. Subection 1(A) Dispensary Facility
Application Selection Process
- Selection System:
Merit
Missouri distributes medical cannabis licenses through a merit system.
Source:
Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. 19, § 30-95.025. Subsection (4). Generally Applicable Provision
Felony Disqualification on Ownership
- Ownership Exclusion for Felony Convictions:
Yes
- Exemption for Cannabis Offenses:
No
Missouri’s medical framework disqualifies applicants for cannabis licensure on the basis of certain convictions. Individuals with a disqualifying felony offense are not permitted to hold own a cannabis establishment. A disqualifying offense is a felony conviction, regardless of the sentence imposed, unless the department determines that either the person’s conviction was for the medical use of marijuana, or the person’s conviction was for a non-violent crime for which he or she was not incarcerated and that is more than five (5) years have passed since the person was released from parole or probation, and he or she has not been convicted of any subsequent criminal offenses.
Employee Criminal Records
- Conviction Restrictions for Employees:
Yes
- Exemption for Cannabis Offenses:
No
Missouri’s medical use sector has restrictions disqualifying potential employees with certain convictions. Individuals with a disqualifying felony offense are not permitted to work at a cannabis establishment. A disqualifying felony offense is felony conviction, regardless of the sentence imposed, unless the department determines that either the person’s conviction was for the medical use of marijuana, the person’s conviction was for a non-violent crime for which he or she was not incarcerated and that is more than five (5) years old or more than five (5) years have passed since the person was released from parole or probation, and he or she has not been convicted of any subsequent criminal offenses.
Availability of Expungements
- Expungements:
Yes, Not Automatic
Missouri offers record cleaning remedies for certain cannabis convictions, however this process is not automatic and requires action from the individual. Individuals with qualifying felony offenses can petition the court for an expungement three years after the completion of their sentence.
Source:
Mo. Rev. Stat. § 610.140. Expungement of certain criminal records, petition, contents, procedure
Social Equity
Social Equity Definition / Criteria
Missouri does not offer a state social equity program to benefit medical cannabis licensees who have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition.
Social Equity Provisions
Missouri does not offer a state social equity program to benefit medical cannabis licensees who have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition.
Fee Waivers and Reductions
Missouri does not offer fee waivers or reductions to support medical cannabis licensees who have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition.
Other Financial Support for Social Equity Applicants and Licensees
Missouri does not offer state-level funding to support medical cannabis licensees who have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition.
License Priorities and Set Asides
Missouri does not offer state-level licensing priority or set-asides to support medical cannabis licensees who have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition.