Medical Marijuanas Missouri

March 2, 2022 Uncategorized

The legalization of medical marijuanas Missouri offers patients with qualifying conditions access to therapy that can alleviate their symptoms. Dispensaries offer many different strains of cannabis, each with unique effects. Some patients find relief from conditions like chronic pain, seizures, Crohn’s disease, and more.

But what about the ganjapreneurs who want to get involved with the medical marijuanas Missouri distributes?

Medical Marijuanas Missouri

In this post, we explain medical marijuanas Missouri laws, offer insight into facility licensing and compliance, and answer commonly asked business operator questions.

Keep reading to learn more about the state of medical marijuana endeavors in Missouri.

Looking for assistance structuring and scaling a medical marijuana operation in Missouri? Northstar is ready to help!

Contact us now to speak with one of our experts about how we’ll organize your business and grow it using financial reporting and data.

Missouri Medical Marijuana’s Laws 2022

Missouri medical marijuana’s laws in 2022 are relatively straightforward. Those who have a qualifying condition can obtain a card that allows them to purchase medical marijuana at state-licensed dispensaries. They can also grow up to six flowering plants at home. However, qualifying patients need to host their cultivation operations in a “closed, locked facility.”

Patients are allowed to buy up to four ounces of marijuana every 30 days. However, the Department of Health might set limits regarding the amount a patient can possess, “provided that the limit is not less than a 60 days supply.”

Primary caregivers can obtain and cultivate medical marijuana for patients. However, they must be at least 21 years old and need to register with the Department of Health. Furthermore, the caregivers can only serve up to three patients.

The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services is in charge of facility licensing and compliance. This department issues medical marijuana facility certifications and licenses, handles compliance monitoring, inspections, education, and violation issuance and resolution.

Medical Marijuanas Missouri Business Operator FAQ

If a landlord takes a percent-based rent of total sales, would that be considered an economic interest?

19 CSR 30-95.010 (10) outlines that the term “economic interest” is defined as the right to either the profit interests or capital therein. Thus, if you have an arrangement in which your landlord or another entity or person will get a return on the capital or a part of the profits, this is considered an economic interest.

Does Missouri allow publicly traded companies to own medical marijuana facilities?

Missouri does not have a ban on publicly traded companies owning medical marijuana facilities. However, equally important to note is that you cannot own a Missouri medical marijuana facility partially or as a whole, if you have committed a disqualifying felony offense. This is outlined in 19 CSR 30-95.010(8). Upon applying, applicants have to attest that their facility complies with this rule, and the state does not have an exception for those who own even just a small percentage of the facility.

Are applicants allowed to apply for multiple licenses/certifications at a single location?

During the first stage of applying, applicants have to submit separate applications for every certification or license they want. Every application has to be for a single facility; this is how the state guarantees applicants do not receive points for the attributes of a combined facility that won’t come to fruition if all of the certifications/licenses are obtained.

It’s possible to submit multiple applications for one location. However, every application is reviewed and scored independently of one another. After awarded a license/certificate, facilities can work to obtain Department approval to combine all operations into a single facility location.

Does an applicant need to identify the information they believe is proprietary in their application submitted to the Department?

Keep in mind, that all of the information you submit will be subjected to relevant laws, regardless of how the information might be viewed. This can also include a court’s interpretation of these laws.

Even though the Department is not able to issue a legal opinion regarding what it thinks is legally protected information, it refers applicants to the Constitutional Article XIV Section 1.3(5) and Missouri Statute 610.021, along with the common law that interprets these provisions.

Who needs to submit fingerprints to get a criminal record check prior to resubmitting a facility license/certification application?

Anyone who is an owner holding a part of the voting or economic interest of the facility who will have access to the medical marijuana facility or medical marijuana will need to submit their fingerprints for a criminal record check prior to submitting applications. This includes all directors, board members, officers, employees, and managers identified in the application. The criminal record check must happen within six months before the facility application submission.

Which zip codes get extra points as outlined in 19 CSR 30-95.025(4)(C)(6)?

Every zip code outlined at the end of this rule is qualified for these additional points. These zip codes are of the regions in which the employment rate is less than 89.9 percent according to the Missouri Census Data Center.

When are facility licenses rewarded?

At this point, the seed-to-sale and transportation applications are the only facility applications open. These will be accepted by the Department indefinitely. Keep in mind, the Department awards or denies certifications within 150 days of submitting a complete application.

Closing on Medical Marijuanas Missouri

Missouri is quickly becoming a hub for the medical marijuana industry, with many opportunities waiting to be explored. With some of the laxest laws in the country, it’s no wonder entrepreneurs are flocking to the state.

If you’re interested in getting into the industry, be sure to stay up-to-date on all the latest news and regulations from the Department of Health and Senior Services. And, as always, if you have any questions or need help getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Looking to grow your medical marijuanas business in Missouri? Northstar is ready to help!

Contact us now to speak with one of our experts about how we’ll structure and scale your operation with proper financial reporting and data.