Missouri’s First Micro-Dispensary Opens in Platte City
816 Dispensary, the state’s first micro-dispensary, held its grand opening on Saturday, coinciding with 816 Day, a celebration of the city’s area code matching the date. The dispensary, owned by Jimi Poe, a former marijuana offender, is part of Missouri’s social equity program aimed at helping underprivileged business owners enter the cannabis industry.
Poe, who spent over a year in prison for selling marijuana in 2006, was awarded a microlicense due to his previous conviction. He is one of the first individuals to benefit from the state’s microlicense program, which was launched in 2023.
The micro-dispensary model is similar to microbreweries, where small-scale, handcrafted products are produced. Industry experts believe that this approach will lead to higher-quality products and a boost to the Missouri cannabis industry.
Poe’s niece, Shannon Purcel, created a mural on the dispensary’s wall, adding a personal touch to the business. Poe expressed his excitement about the venture, saying, “I promised I’d never sell marijuana again, and here we are, 19 years later, and I’m seeing cannabis sold legally to the public. It’s definitely crazy.”
The grand opening marked a significant milestone for Missouri’s cannabis industry, which launched recreational adult-use sales in February 2023. With the opening of 816 Dispensary, consumers can expect a more personalized and high-quality experience when purchasing cannabis products.
