How to get a Missouri microbusiness marijuana license
Are you a marijuana entrepreneur in Missouri wanting to enter the recreational cannabis industry? There is a new opportunity to apply for a cannabis microbusiness license. These licenses are essentially small businesses that are designed to allow marginalized or under-represented individuals to participate in the legal marijuana market. In this article, we’ll review the eligibility requirements, application materials, and the timeline for applying.
There are two kinds of cannabis microbusiness licenses in Missouri.
The state has created two different options for small businesses that have the right split of equity in their entities with eligible individuals as defined under the rules.
Microbusiness dispensary: This type of license allows businesses to sell wholesaler’s marijuana products to consumers.
Microbusiness wholesale: This type of license allows businesses to cultivate and sell marijuana products to other businesses, such as dispensaries and cultivators.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible to apply for a cannabis microbusiness license in Missouri, you must meet ONE of the following requirements:
Have a net worth of less than $250,000 and have had an income below two hundred and fifty percent of the federal poverty level, or successor level, as set forth in the applicable calendar year’s federal poverty income guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or its successor agency, for at least three of the ten calendar years prior to applying for a marijuana microbusiness facility license; or
Have a valid service-connected disability card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, or successor agency; or
Be a person who has been, or a person whose parent, guardian or spouse has been arrested for, prosecuted for, or convicted of a non-violent marijuana offense, except for a conviction involving provision of marijuana to a minor, or a conviction of driving under the influence of marijuana. The arrest, charge, or conviction must haveMissouri Microbusiness Marijuana License occurred at least one year prior to the effective date of this section; or
Reside in a ZIP code or census track area where:
(1) Thirty percent or more of the population lives below the federal poverty level; or
(2) The rate of unemployment is fifty percent higher than the state average rate of unemployment; or
(3) The historic rate of incarceration for marijuana-related offenses is fifty percent higher than the rate for the entire state; or
(4) Graduated from a school district that was unaccredited, or had a similar successor designation, at the time of graduation, or has lived in a zip code containing an unaccredited school district, or similar successor designation, for three of the past five years.
Real Estate
You MUST have compliant and zoned correct real estate in Missouri for your microbusiness dispensary or wholesale business operation.
Age
You must be at least 21 years old to apply for a cannabis microbusiness license in Missouri.
Identification
Accepted forms of identification for the Missouri cannabis microbusiness application process include a valid driver’s license or state identification card. The validity period of these documents should cover the entire duration of the application process.
Application form
The online application process for a Missouri cannabis microbusiness license is now open! The required information to fill out your application includes identification documents such as a copy of your driver’s license or state ID card, tax returns from the past three years, service-connected disability cards (if applicable), court records (if necessary), and any documentation that supports your eligibility. Be sure to pay attention to deadlines and submit all required materials on time.
Application timeline
The application period for the first round of microbusiness licenses in Missouri is from July 27 to August 10, 2023. A lottery drawing will be held on October 4, and the winners will be issued microbusiness licenses on October 18. The future rounds of microbusiness licenses in Missouri have not yet been announced, but a second round is expected at some future date.
Frequently asked questions about missouri’s microbusiness license program
What fees are associated with microbusiness?
The microbusiness application fee is currently $1500.
Can I receive a full refund if I’m not awarded a license?
Yes, per 19 CSR 100-1-060(2), a refund will be issued to any applicant not chosen by the lottery that meets the criteria for a microbusiness license and has no pending or future legal actions related to the denial of the application. Requests for a refund will be accepted beginning thirty-one (31) days after the date of the denial, but no later than six (6) months after the date of the denial.
If my application is denied, can I apply again?
Yes, applications not chosen by lottery will result in the application being denied. Those applicants may choose to submit a new application during the next application submission time period.
How many microbusiness licenses are being issued?
In October of 2023, the Department will issue six microbusiness licenses in each of the eight Missouri congressional districts, for a total of 48 microbusiness licenses. Of the six in each district, two will be microbusiness dispensaries, and four will be wholesale facilities. The Department will issue an additional 48 in 2024, and another 48 in 2025.