With the Nov. 8 passage of Amendment 3, the recreational use of marijuana, there are many questions that the general public has voiced. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has offered to start the conversation with the following frequently asked questions.
• When will adult marijuana be available to consumers?
Starting December 8, 2022, consumers will be able to legally possess up to three ounces of marijuana. However, marijuana will not be available to consumers for purchase in a Missouri licensed dispensary facility until medical facility licensees convert their licenses to full facilities.
On December 8, 2022 the department began accepting applications for existing medical facility licensees to convert to a full facility. Since the department has 60 days from receipt to approve such requests, adult-use product could be available as early as February 2023. Once approved, it is up to each full dispensary to decide when it will start selling adult-use marijuana. Check with your local licensed dispensary when they start selling to consumers. More information will be made available on the department’s website. Please check the announcements periodically – cannabis.mo.gov
• When will the department accept new medical or full facility license applications?
Because existing medical licenses can be converted to full licenses, which can sell marijuana to both patients and consumers, new medical or full license applications will not be accepted at this time. When the department begins accepting any new facility applications, application periods will be publicly announced on our website at least six months in advance.
Consumer Personal Cultivation: The department will begin accepting applications for consumer personal cultivation as soon as February 6. Once approved, this will allow authorized individuals who are 21 years of age or older to grow plants for personal, non-commercial use within a locked serviced enclosure, facility. More information will be made available on the department’s website.
• Who is considered a consumer?
A consumer is someone who is at least 21 years of age.
• When can I apply for my medical license to be converted to a full license?
Conversion applications have been accepted since 8 December 2022.
• Do medical marijuana testing or transportation licensees need to apply to upgrade to a full license?
No. Certified Medical Marijuana Testing and Transportation Medical Marijuana Licensees will automatically convert to Marijuana Testing and Transportation Medical Marijuana Licensees on December 8, 2022. At that point, Testing and Transportation Licensees will have the ability to provide support for all types of marijuana licenses.
• When will the department accept applications for a license for micro-enterprise facilities?
The department will begin accepting applications for a license for microenterprise facilities by September 4. The application forms will be made available no later than 6 June.
• Differences in the medical program compared to the adult program
Effective December 8, 2022, all approved Patient ID card holders will be permitted a standard allotment of six ounces, or more based on physician recommendation, within a 30-day period, with medical purchases a a tax rate of four percent.
Marijuana for adult use can be purchased by users who are at least 21 years of age. Up to three ounces can be purchased in a single transaction, and consumers can be in possession of up to three ounces of marijuana at any one time. Purchases for adult use will be taxed at six percent plus any local taxes.
• What will be required for a consumer to make a purchase from the adult use dispensary?
Consumers will need to present a valid government-issued photo ID when purchasing adult-use products at a dispensary.
Continues ….