Cannabis is now legal for adults in Missouri to consume and possess after the state’s voter-approved legalization law took effect today.
Legal sales remain off-limits for now but medical cannabis dispensaries in Missouri are expected to open their doors to anyone aged 21 or older sometime next year, possibly by February 2023. In the meantime, adults are now allowed to possess up to three ounces of cannabis. Additionally, adults can cultivate up to six flowering cannabis plants, six immature plants, and six plants under 14 inches at home for personal use.
John Mueller, the co-founder of Greenlight Dispensaries, told the Associated Press that dispensaries have started receiving calls from non-patients who are wondering if/when they can buy cannabis from the shops.
“I think everybody’s anxious and excited about adult use. Every dollar we sell is a dollar that doesn’t go to the black market.” — Mueller, via the AP
When recreational sales do launch next year, adult-use cannabis will be taxed at 6%. Officials predict the industry will generate more than $40 million in annual tax revenue for the state and at least $13.8 million per year for local governments.
Voters approved the state’s legalization law with 53% support during last month’s election, making Missouri the first Midwest state to adopt the reforms.
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