Missouri voted to legalize medical marijuana in 2018. The state issued its first MMJ business licenses in late 2019, but the Missouri MMJ program was a little slow to get off the ground. Missouri medical marijuana businesses, both dispensaries and growers, had to start from zero. There was a lot of organizing and preparation to be done to make the Show-Me State’s MMJ program operational.
However, the legalization of medical marijuana in Missouri is already proving to be hugely beneficial to people who suffer from a wide variety of medical conditions. MMJ legalization is bringing in a lot of revenue for local businesses, as well as creating many new employment opportunities for local Missourians.
With legal MMJ proving to be so beneficial for the state of Missouri, a lot of people are now wondering: what is the situation with recreational MMJ in Missouri? Does Missouri have recreational MMJ dispensaries? Read on to find out.
MMJ Dispensaries In MO
Are Missouri dispensaries open yet? This is a question we get asked a lot. Thankfully for MMJ patients in the Show-Me State, the answer to this much-asked question is a resounding yes! There are now almost 200 open MMJ dispensaries in Missouri.
Medical marijuana dispensaries are located all across Missouri, serving medical card holders throughout the state. The majority of Missouri dispensaries operate in the major population hubs of St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and Columbia. Missouri MMJ dispensaries are projected to sell $200 million of medical marijuana products in 2021.
Does Missouri Have Recreational Dispensaries?
Dispensaries for medical marijuana are currently open throughout Missouri, but what about recreational dispensaries – are there recreational dispensaries in Missouri? Unfortunately, the answer is no – Missouri does not have legal recreational marijuana, and therefore has no recreational dispensaries.
Will Missouri Legalization Of Recreational Marijuana Happen?
Moves are being made toward the legalization of recreational marijuana in Missouri. A group called Fair Access Missouri has filed a series of potential petitions to legalize recreational MMJ in the state. It is hoped that a vote will happen in 2022.
What Services Do Missouri MMJ Dispensaries Provide?
Missouri medical marijuana dispensaries sell medical marijuana products to MO MMJ card holders. They also provide education and information to patients about MMJ treatment and new products.
The MMJ products available at Missouri dispensaries are:
- Cannabis flower
- Pre-rolls
- MMJ edibles
- Tinctures
- Vape cartridges
- Topical creams, gels, and rubs
Who Can Access Missouri Medical Marijuana Dispensaries?
Only Missouri MMJ cardholders can access medical marijuana dispensaries in the state. Unfortunately, Missouri does not practice reciprocity, which means that out-of-state MMJ cardholders cannot purchase MMJ at Missouri dispensaries.
How Do You Get A Missouri Medical Marijuana Card?
You get a Missouri medical marijuana card by submitting a Physician Certification Form to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Citizens.
The application needs to be completed by both the applicant and a licensed Missouri physician. You can have a consultation with a Missouri physician using the MMJ Recs online clinic. Once your suitability for MMJ has been determined, the physician will complete the relevant sections of an application form and forward it to you by email.
What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A Missouri Medical Marijuana Card?
The following medical conditions qualify a person for a Missouri medical marijuana card:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Autism
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- HIV/AIDS
- Huntington’s disease
- IBS
- Intractable migraines
- Any chronic medical condition that causes severe, persistent pain or persistent muscle spasms
- Human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome
- A chronic medical condition that is normally treated with a prescription medication that could lead to physical or psychological dependence, when a physician determines that MMJ could be effective as a safer alternative to the prescription medication
- Any terminal illness
- Any other chronic, debilitating medical condition that a physician decides would benefit from MMJ treatment
- Lou Gehrig’s disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- PTSD or other debilitating psychiatric disorders
- Tourette syndrome
- Sickle cell anemia
- Seizures
How Much Does A Missouri MMJ Card Cost?
A Missouri medical marijuana card costs $25. This fee must be paid every year when the MMJ card comes up for renewal.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Missouri MMJ Card?
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Citizens will process your medical marijuana card application within 30 days. The postal service can take up to 14 days to deliver your MMJ card to you, so you are certain to receive your Missouri medical cannabis card within six weeks at the most.