Medical marijuana is now legal in Missouri, and the application processes are getting underway for the state to select cannabis growers, manufacturers and retail distributors. The formal application process to get into the highly regulated and highly lucrative medical marijuana business opens January 5 through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
The nonrefundable Pre-filed License Application fees are $10,000 per Medical Marijuana Cultivation Facility, $6,000 per Medical Marijuana Dispensary Facility, and $6,000 per Medical Marijuana-Infused Products Manufacturing Facility.
To lead this implementation, on December 19, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) announced that State Rep. Lyndall Fraker (R-Marshfield) will join the department as director of Medical Marijuana and Amy Moore will become deputy director/counsel for Medical Marijuana.
“We are thankful for members of our DHSS team for their efforts in meeting the January 5 requirement to collect nonrefundable fees for facilities as specified in Constitutional Amendment 2,” said DHSS Director Dr. Randall Williams. “We welcome Lyndall and Amy and their leadership as we dutifully execute the implementation of Amendment 2.”
Amendment 2 passed in the state during the November 6, 2018 general election. It was one of three medical marijuana measures that were on the ballot; the other two failed.
“Administering this new program needs to be done in the right way for Missouri,” Fraker said. “I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Missouri in my new capacity.”
Williams anticipates medical marijuana will be available for purchase in Missouri as early as January 2020.
There will be a limited number of licenses awarded, based upon population and for dispensaries, 24 in each of the eight congressional districts, said compliance lawyer Derek Mays, founder and CEO of REAL Cannabis Co. Mays also serves on the Business and Trade Planning Committee of the Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association.
“The earliest you can submit your license application will be August 3,” Mays said, “and then they have 150 days to make a decision as to whether or not or who is going to receive the licenses to operate.”
Additionally, license-holding entities must be comprised of a majority of Missouri residents.
Only state-licensed physicians will be able to give patients a physician certification for medical marijuana. DHSS stated that the patient application form is being developed and will be available online no later than June 4. Patients seeking medical marijuana must apply for an identification card ($25) from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, starting July 4.
Once the patient’s application is approved, he or she will receive an identification card within 30 days of application. A patient or a primary caregiver of the qualified patient can then purchase medical marijuana from a state-licensed dispensary.
For more information, email MedicalMarijuanainfo@health.mo.gov or visit https://health.mo.gov/safety/medical-marijuana/index.php.
