Missouri's approach to cannabis laws has undergone significant changes, transitioning from strict prohibition to allowing medical and recreational marijuana usage. Understanding these regulations may seem complex, but fear not—we'll explore these shifts together.
Let's delve into Missouri's cannabis laws, exploring aspects like possession regulations, cultivation guidelines, penalties, and the processes involved in accessing and distributing medical marijuana across the state. Join us as we uncover the evolving landscape of cannabis in Missouri:
Cannabis is legal for medical and recreational use in Missouri.
Adults 21 and over can possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis.
There are penalties for possessing more than the allowable amount of cannabis, for unlicensed sales, and for consuming in public spaces.
Is Cannabis Legal in Missouri?
Yes, Missouri has legal medical and recreational marijuana's as of 2022.
In Missouri, cannabis has recently become legal for recreational use due to the passage of Amendment 3 by voters in November 2022. This amendment legalized and regulated cannabis for adults, instituting a six percent retail tax on cannabis sales. Alongside the establishment of the adult-use market, the law also includes provisions to automatically expunge criminal records for individuals previously convicted of nonviolent cannabis-related offenses.
Previously, Missouri only permitted marijuana for medical use under Article XIV of the state constitution. This legislation allowed the use of medical cannabis for specific conditions and mandated state-licensed doctors to prescribe marijuana as a treatment. Qualifying patients and caregivers had to obtain medical marijuana cards for purchasing and possessing marijuana in the state.
However, the recent Amendment 3's passage signifies a shift toward legalizing cannabis for adult recreational purposes. Regulators swiftly enabled legal sales to adults, leading to a substantial increase in cannabis sales, reaching over $126 million in March and setting a new record for the state. This burgeoning industry has also generated thousands of jobs, with nearly 13,000 individuals receiving occupational ID cards to work in cannabis-related businesses as of February.
While cannabis remains strictly regulated for medical use, the new amendment reflects a significant change in Missouri's approach to marijuana, now allowing its use by adults for recreational purposes.
Regulations for Adult Use
In Missouri, adults age 21 and over ca:
Possess and use up to three ounces of cannabis
Cultivate up to six flowering places, six immature plants, and 6 seedlings at home in a locked space for personal use.
Use cannabis in private spaces.
Transport cannabis in a closed container in an are of the vehicle that is out of reach to the passengers, such as the trunk.
Regulations for Medical Use
Medical card holders can purcahse up to six ounces every 30 days.
Medical patients can grow up to six flowering places, six immature plants, and 6 seedlings at home in a locked space for personal use.
Use cannabis in private spaces and approved medical facilities.
Transport cannabis in a closed container in an are of the vehicle that is out of reach to the passengers, such as the trunk.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Cannabis in Missouri
Here's the revised list of qualifying conditions for medical patients in Missouri:
Alzheimer’s disease (agitation related to)
Any terminal illness
Autism
Cancer
Crohn’s disease
Chronic pain/neuropathy
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Hepatitis C
HIV/AIDS or cachexia or wasting syndrome
Huntington’s disease
IBS
Intractable migraines
Lou Gehrig’s disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Opioid substitution
Parkinson’s disease
PTSD or other “debilitating psychiatric disorders”
Tourette syndrome
Sickle cell anemia
Seizures
Any “other chronic, debilitating or other medical condition” that may be alleviated by marijuana “in the professional judgement of a physician”
Restrictions for Cannabis Use in Missouri
In Mississippi, cannabis is legal for medical use. However, there are restrictions imposed on medical card holders, including:
No smoking or vaping cannabis in vehicles or public spaces.
Qualifying medical patients who are minors need guardian consent for cannabis use.
Under-21 patients need guardians in dispensaries.
Cannabis use prohibits driving or operating machinery.
Landlords may restrict cannabis use at home.
How Cannabis is Bought and Sold in Missouri
In Missouri, the sale of recreational marijuana began in February of 2023. Medical cannabis facility transitioned to full recreational facilities. Individuals over 21 years old can walk into a dispensary, present their ID, and purchase various cannabis products such as flower, edibles, prerolls, or vapes.
Penalties for Marijuana-related Crimes in Missouri
Cannabis is legal within the specified possession limits for recreational consumers and medical card holders. Otherwise, cannabis is illegal and subject to the following penalties:
Possession:
Up to 3 ounces: Legal for adults 21 years and older.
Over 3 ounces- 30 kilograms:Class D felony, up to 7 years imprisonment, fine up to $10,000.
Sale, Distribution:
Sale or manufacture of 35 grams or less: Class E felony, up to 4 years imprisonment, fine up to $10,000.
Sale or manufacture of 35 grams - 30 kilograms: Class C felony, 3 - 10 years imprisonment, $10,000 fine.
Distribution to a minor:Class C felony, 3 - 15 years, fine twice profit.
Distribution near certain areas:Class A felony, 10 - 30 years, or life imprisonment, fine twice profit.
Trafficking:
Possess or bring into state 30 - 100 kilograms: Class C felony, 3 - 10 years, $10,000 fine.
Possess or bring into state 100kg or more or 500 plants or more: Class B felony, 5 - 15 years, fine twice profit.
Distribute or manufacture various quantities:Class A/B felonies, 10 - 30 years, or life imprisonment, fine twice profit.
Cultivation:
Possession up to 35 grams: Class E felony, up to 4 years imprisonment, fine up to $10,000.
Over 35 grams:Class C felony, 3 - 10 years imprisonment, $10,000 fine.
Cultivation near school:Class B felony, 5 - 15 years, fine twice profit.
Hash & Concentrates:
Penalties align with marijuana possession in Missouri.
Paraphernalia:
Unlawful manufacture: Misdemeanor, 1 year imprisonment, $2,000 fine.
Commercial manufacture: Felony, 4 years imprisonment, $10,000 fine.
Miscellaneous:
Public Nuisance:Felony, up to 4 years imprisonment, $10,000 fine.
Enhanced penalties for prior and persistent drug offenses.
"Abuse and Lose": Driving privilege suspension/revocation for controlled substance possession or use while operating a motor vehicle.
Legal Cannabis and Buy Online Alternatives
Although cannabis is legal in many states, hemp-derived THC products are still rising as a noteworthy alternative thanks to their affordability and accessibility. Hemp-derived THC products are federally legal, unlike traditional marijuana products, meaning they can often be ordered online and shipped right to your door.
