Missouri Dispensaries Surprise with Early Launch of Recreational Cannabis Sales
In a surprising move, Missouri dispensaries have announced the early launch of recreational cannabis sales, much to the delight of consumers. Initially, licenses were expected to be issued by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services on Monday. However, the department made a sudden announcement, stating that licenses would be issued on Friday to qualifying dispensaries. As soon as a dispensary receives its license, it can start selling marijuana to individuals over the age of 21.
Dispensaries in the area have expressed their readiness to handle the expected surge in customers. Laurie Gregory, the chief marketing officer of Good Day Farm, an Arkansas-based grower, manufacturer, and dispensary with several local locations, mentioned that there had been indications from the state about the potential for an early launch on Friday. She stated, We’re waiting, we’re prepping, we’re ready.
Only existing medical-use dispensaries will initially be allowed to sell recreational marijuana. Lisa Cox, a spokesperson for the state health department, revealed that at least 170 eligible dispensaries statewide would receive licenses on Friday, as long as they were in good standing with the department.
To efficiently handle the adult-use consumers without neglecting the medical marijuana patients, Greenlight dispensaries have invested approximately $7 million to $8 million in improvements. The CEO of Greenlight, John Mueller, explained that new pickup windows and separate lines would be implemented to accommodate returning medical marijuana patients. Drive-thru dispensaries are also making changes with new speaker boxes, similar to Chick-fil-A.
The company has hired an additional 80 employees to handle the increased business, with half of them working in dispensaries and the other half involved in cultivation and production. Many cannabis companies grow and process their own marijuana, creating edibles and vape pens in their own facilities.
The legalization of recreational cannabis in Missouri through Amendment 3 last November allows non-medical users to possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis, while medical users can possess up to 6 ounces.
Dispensary owners anticipate a chaotic first week with long lines of people eager to be among the first recreational consumers. However, they also expect sales to increase significantly. Dan Pettigrew, co-founder of Viola Brands, a Black-owned business, noted that the majority of visitors to the new ViolaSTL dispensary in Downtown West have come in as recreational customers. Mueller from Greenlight also predicts a boost in sales. With monthly medical marijuana sales currently at $40 million in Missouri, he believes the state could soon see monthly sales of $80 million or even $100 million.
Moreover, the legalization of recreational marijuana is expected to significantly impact the illegal market, as legal products are tested for contaminants and offer more product consistency. Additionally, the variety of marijuana strains will appeal to many consumers who have previously purchased from illegal sources.
The impact of legalization goes beyond business and sales; it also brings emotional relief to individuals who have found cannabis beneficial. Laurie Gregory shared a heartwarming story of a man in his 70s who visited a dispensary in Michigan when recreational cannabis became legal there. Overwhelmed with joy, he said, I never thought I would see the day when I could walk in and buy this plant that has helped me so much.
The launch of recreational cannabis sales in Missouri is certainly a milestone for the state. The potential economic growth and the positive impact on consumers cannot be overlooked. As the industry moves forward, both users and businesses are eagerly embracing this new era.
