On Friday, June 26 2019, the Missouri medical marijuana patient registry will open. But how soon should patients expect to be able to purchase medical cannabis? The state recently released a map of where Missouri dispensaries could be located.
Missouri Dispensaries Coming Soon?
The state of Missouri will grant 338 licenses over the next year for the medical cannabis industry. Thus far, over 540 pre-filed applications have been submitted for review. This means that patients should see hundreds of cannabis dispensaries in Missouri, beginning as early as January 2020, with more expected to open their doors later in 2020.
The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services recently released an interactive map that allows both industry professionals and potential patients view the targeted locations for not only dispensaries, but also cultivators and processors. This map should serve as a guide for where to expect the cannabis industry to take root in the Show Me State. Click the map below to view the interactive guide.
“Although these numbers are not at all final,” Lyndall Fraker, health department director of medical marijuana, stated in a press release, “We hope this information will give potential applicants, as well as cities and counties, some perspective on the field of applicants in their respective areas.”
The cannabis industry application process will begin August 3, 2019. By the end of 2019, Missouri will award licenses.
How Long Will It Take For Missouri Medical Marijuana Dispensaries?
After applications have been submitted, Missouri will aware licenses to 338 businesses. These businesses will be granted licenses to begin building their facilities. Pursuant to city and state regulation, the selected cannabis business will then need to meet a strict set of guidelines in order to receive their license to operate. Once a business has been granted this final license, they can open their doors to the public.
This process can take months. It can also suffer many legal hurdles along the way. Buildings might not meet inspections. Finding a good team in the right location can be a challenge. The city could push back. Other businesses could sue for your license. Or the state could revoke your license for non-compliance.
Opening a cannabis dispensary, cultivation or processing facility is a bit like playing a game of plinko. Sometimes, you hit the wrong pegs and don’t land where you want. Other times, things go very smoothly and businesses open without a hitch. Missouri, thus far, has been extraordinarily accommodating to the industry. This could mean that delays may not occur as much as other states (like Ohio).
Notable Spots for Missouri Dispensaries
The interactive map above notes several dispensaries, cultivators and processors showing up in the Kansas City, St. Louis, Columbia and Springfield areas. No doubt, patients of Green Health Docs in this area will be excited. Below is a look at the counties that may soon have the cannabis industry helping fuel their economy.
Kansas City
In the KC area, patients should look to Jackson County, Cass County, Clay County, Platte County, Johnson County and Buchanan County. These areas have dispensaries pre-filled applications from prospective dispensaries. Cultivation will take place in these counties, as well as Ray, Bates, Lafayette and Pattis Counties. Processing or manufacturing will take place in Platte, Cass and Jackson Counties.
St. Louis
Warren, Franklin, St. Charles, St. Louis and Jefferson Counties will potentially allow cultivation. Franklin County and St. Charles will allow processing. And a slew of counties, including Lincoln, St. Charlies, Franklin, St. Louis, St. Louis City, Jefferson and St. Francois in Park Hills, have pre-filed applications for medical marijuana dispensaries.
Columbia
In Columbia, Boone County and Audrain County will be open to processing. Boone and Randolph may have dispensaries. And cultivation will be limited to Boone County.
Springfield
Greene County, Christian County and Taney County have pre-filed applications for dispensaries. These counties, plus Barry, have applications for cultivation. Greene and Barry Counties have applications for processing/manufacturing.
Get Legal Today!
With the registry open, you can now obtain your Missouri medical marijuana card easier than ever! Simply call or text our friendly support team at 1-877-242-0362 and we can help you with any questions, comments or concerns you may have about getting your Missouri medical marijuana card or cannabis in general. With six Missouri MMJ clinics and a online option offered throughout the entire state, getting a card is easier than ever.
In the meantime, keep reading our blog for updates about Missouri medical cannabis news, including where to find Missouri dispensaries. You can also view our Missouri Dispensary Locations page for more info, or scroll down to the bottom of this blog to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.
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