It’s official. Adult-use weed is now legal in Missouri. But, that doesn’t mean that recreational weed sales are.
Missouri recently became the 21st U.S. state to legalize recreational cannabis. And if you’re like most cannabis-consuming residents of the Show Me State, you’re likely asking yourself one very important question:
How long until I can buy weed?
The legalization of Missouri recreational weed is a huge deal, and countless Missourians are counting the days until Missouri recreational cannabis sales commence.
When are recreational cannabis sales slated to start, though?
Missouri recreational weed sales could start sooner than you might think.
Check it out.
When Will Recreational Cannabis Sales In Missouri Start?
How long until I can buy weed in Missouri?
If you’re a resident of the Show-Me State without a Missouri medical marijuana card, chances are you’re eagerly anticipating the day you can buy weed in a Missouri recreational dispensary.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), that day is coming much more quickly than most anticipated.
Just how soon will Missouri recreational weed sales start?
Pretty darn soon.
By some accounts, recreational marijuana dispensaries in Missouri could be up and running soon after the beginning of the year. Try early February to be exact.
Coming Soon: Adult-Use Marijuana Dispensaries In Missouri & Recreational Weed Sales
Under Missouri Amendment 3, which passed with 53.1% of the vote, current medical marijuana facilities can apply to convert their business to “comprehensive” sales starting December 8. The state must take action within 60 days of receiving these applications, meaning Missouri recreational weed sales could start as soon as February 6, 2023.
Officials expect to approve these applications as soon as Missouri recreational dispensary rules have been filed. Which could technically happen before the 60-day deadline.
According to DHSS spokesperson Lisa Cox, “We anticipate comprehensive dispensaries will be able to begin selling to adult-use consumers as soon as their license is approved for conversion.”
This means that as soon as recreational marijuana dispensaries in Missouri are approved by the DHSS, recreational weed sales can legally take place.
How Long Until I Can Buy Weed In Missouri?
Wondering how long you’ll have to wait to buy recreational weed in Missouri? When will recreational weed sales actually start?
If things go according to plan, you could be smoking legal weed sooner than you might think.
Seeing as the only thing that needs to happen for recreational cannabis sales to start in Missouri is DHSS approval on conversion applications from current facilities, recreational marijuana dispensaries in Missouri could soon be open to the public.
Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association spokesperson Jack Cardetti said it’s likely “Missouri will have one of the quickest and smoothest transitions of adult-use sales in the nation.”
Historically, residents in states that have legalized weed have had to wait a while for recreational marijuana sales to start. Take Virginia, for example. Recreational cannabis was legalized in 2021, but recreational cannabis sales aren’t expected to start until 2024 or later.
Even in Colorado, which (with Washington) was the first state to legalize rec weed in 2012, residents had to wait until 2014 to buy recreational marijuana.
These are perfect examples of why renewing your MMJ card even when recreational weed laws are passed is so important.
Missouri recreational cannabis sales could become one of the quickest the nation has ever seen. But, unfortunately, it’s still up in the air. You don’t want to wait around for dispensaries to open to enjoy cannabis.
That said, you should consider renewing your Missouri MMJ card. If Missouri recreational weed sales don’t start as soon as they’re expected to, residents without their MMJ card will be forced to source their product from the illegal market.
While we’re hopeful recreational marijuana dispensaries in Missouri will be opening their doors come February 2023, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Elevate Holistics: Helping You Make The Most Of Missouri Recreational Weed
At Elevate Holistics, we’re elated about the legalization of weed in Missouri, but that doesn’t mean you should wait around for recreational weed sales to start.
Instead, we want you to benefit from Missouri recreational weed laws as much as you possibly can.
Did you know that under Missouri recreational weed laws, medical marijuana possession limits increased? That’s right. Medical marijuana patients can now possess up to six ounces instead of four in a 30-day period.
Missouri medical marijuana patients will also pay fewer taxes than recreational consumers. Taxes on medical marijuana are 4%, while recreational marijuana taxes are set to be 6%. On top of this, local governments can add a 3% tax.
Basically, this boils down to more weed for less money when you have your medical card under new Missouri recreational weed laws.
Talk about making the most of Missouri recreational weed!
As excited as we are about the legalization of weed in Missouri, we’re also aware that having your medical card can help you benefit from recreational marijuana laws.
Contact us today to see how we can help you renew your medical card or apply for a new one so you can enjoy the legalization of weed in Missouri to the fullest.
