Missouri to Open Application Window for Marijuana Microbusiness Licenses
The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation has announced that the application window for 77 microbusiness marijuana licenses will open on July 13 and close on July 27. The selection lottery is scheduled to take place on September 9, with licenses expected to be issued in December.
Microbusiness licenses are designed to promote equity and inclusion in the legal marijuana market by providing opportunities for marginalized or underrepresented individuals to participate. The licenses are issued through a lottery selection, and applicants pay a non-refundable $1,500 application fee.
The application process is straightforward and can be completed independently, according to Lesley Turek, the division’s chief equity officer. Turek has been traveling the state to educate individuals about the application process and the new rules that went into effect in May.
The new rules provide a more extensive review process before licenses are issued and clarify what it means to “majority own and operate” a license, which is a requirement in the Missouri Constitution. The rules also require regulators to communicate directly with majority owners and mandate that applicants take a course on compliance before applying and after receiving a license.
There are seven categories for which individuals can qualify for a microbusiness license, including low-income individuals, those living in impoverished areas, and those with past marijuana-related arrests or convictions.
Turek emphasized that being a marijuana facility owner is a significant undertaking, requiring significant investment and regulatory compliance. She encourages applicants to carefully consider the requirements and responsibilities involved before applying.
The division will host in-person and virtual education outreach events to assist applicants with the application process. For more information, including dates and registration requirements, visit the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation’s website.
Those seeking assistance with eligibility requirements or application forms can contact Facility Application Services at CannabisFAS@health.mo.gov.
