Missouri Passes Legalization of Adult-Use
November 11, 2022

Congratulations, Missouri! On November 8th, 1,089,326 Missourians voted 53.1% in favor of adult-use in Missouri. Together, Missourians made history with the passing of Amendment 3.

Now that legalization is here, are you curious about what to expect next in Missouri?

First, here are important dates:

  • December 8, 2022 – Adult-use legalization becomes added to the Missouri constitution.
  • December 8, 2022 – Medical marijuana license holders may start to request a comprehensive (medical + adult use) license from DHSS. DHSS has 60 days to act upon this request.
  • February 2023 – Adult-use sales could begin as early as February 2023.

Next, some key facts:

  • The Department of Health and Senior Services oversees the adult-use program. DHSS published a draft of the rules for Missouri’s adult-use cannabis program and requests feedback from the public over the next two weeks. Click HERE for a link to the rules and an online suggestion form to provide feedback.
  • Amendment 3 legalizes the recreational sale of marijuana, which means Missourians over 21 will be able to go to a dispensary without a medical marijuana card and buy flower, pre-rolled joints, edibles, and other marijuana products.
  • Amendment 3 levies a 6% retail sales tax on recreational weed. The tax revenue will be split among the state’s veterans commission, grants to increase drug addiction treatment, and the public defender system for legal assistance to low-income Missourians.
  • Missourians 21 and older can obtain personal cultivation cards, which will allow up to six flowering plants, six nonflowering plants (plants over 14 inches) and six clone plants (plants under 14 inches). The cards are valid for one year and would have an annual fee of $150. Once approved, this will allow authorized persons, who are at least 21 years old, to cultivate plants for personal, non-commercial use within an enclosed locked facility at their residence. More information will be made available soon the DHSS website.

Expungement details and timeline:

  • Within six months of the amendment going into effect, around June 2023, circuit courts across the state are expected to order the expungement of misdemeanor marijuana offenses for people no longer incarcerated or on probation or parole.
  • For class A, B or C felony offenses, or class D felony offenses of possession of more than three pounds of marijuana, circuit courts shall order expungement of criminal history records upon completion of state supervision.
  • Within 90 days of the amendment going into effect, sentencing courts across the state are expected to issue adjudications for cases involving misdemeanor marijuana offenses.
  • Within 180 days, courts would complete adjudication for cases involving class E felony marijuana offenses. Within 270 days, sentencing courts would issue adjudications for class D felonies involving 3 pounds or less of marijuana.

With so much to unpack from Amendment 3, expect periodic updates from Flora Farms as Missouri’s adult-use program unfolds.

 

Sources: KCUR and MoCannTrade Association

 

And Remember…

Medical decisions should not be made based on advertising. Consult a physician on the benefits and risks of particular medical marijuana products.