From January 5th, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has opened applications for medical cannabis businesses, inclusive of cultivation, dispensaries and product infusion manufacturers.

The DHSS aims to become a pioneer in protecting people’s health and safety.

“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 the Director of DHSS, Dr. Randall Williams.

Prior to applying for a medical cannabis business license in Missouri, facility fee applicants have been advised by the DHSS to absorb the following information:

• Application fees will be non-refundable.
• Facility application forms will be provided in the near future, but applicants must be aware of the fact that the Pre-Filed Application Fee Form is not the actual facility application form.
• Licenses are not guaranteed for early bird applicants, nor will individuals who submit their application early gain a competitive advantage over other applicants.

The DHSS has also designated the new roles of Director of Medical Marijuana and Deputy Director/Counsel for Medical Marijuana, to Lyndall Fraker and Amy Moore, respectively.

“We welcome Lyndall and Amy and their leadership as we dutifully execute the implementation of Amendment 2,” added Williams. 

“Administering this new program needs to be done in the right way for Missouri,” said Fraker. “I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Missouri in my new capacity.”

Current laws surrounding medical cannabis in Missouri

Let’s rewind to 2014 for a moment. In July of that year, cannabis became decriminalized in Missouri for medical purposes, after Governor Jay Nixon signed the Missouri Medical Marijuana Bill into law. The law permits the use of CBD oil for the treatment of ongoing seizures.

The following year, licenses were issued to two non-profits, both of which were granted cultivation and retail permissions. In 2017, changes to the Missouri criminal code were enacted. Effectively, this broadened people’s ability to procure pharmaceutical pot products throughout the state.

How to apply for a medical cannabis business license in Missouri

Interested in launching a medical cannabis business in Missouri? Checks and money orders must be made payable to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Cash is not acceptable as a form of payment for a medical cannabis business license in Missouri.

Applicants must first complete a Pre-Filed Application Fee Form. It must be submitted with the actual application form, which is yet to be released. You can access the form here.

The Pre-Filed Application Fee Form and payment can be mailed to the following address:

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

FEE RECEIPT UNIT

P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570

Or personally delivered during business hours to:

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

920 Wildwood Drive

Jefferson City, MO 65109