Missouri Cannabis Laws: A Guide for Cannabis Consumers

If you’re new to using weed in Missouri, or if you’re visiting from a different state, you may have some questions about what Missouri’s cannabis laws allow you to do. It’s a good idea to get to know what’s permitted here and how dispensaries work in our state because there are limits to what you can buy, how much you can possess at any given time, and where you can use your weed. Knowing the regulations will help you use cannabis responsibly, safely, and within the bounds of the law.

At Sunrise Dispensary, we are all about adding value to the people in our community. That includes following state requirements for safe, legal cannabis sales. The staff at our five locations is trained by nurses specializing in medical cannabis to help you find the right weed products for your needs.

Below, you’ll find some basics on Missouri dispensary laws for cannabis, and guidance on what to expect when you walk into dispensaries like ours.

Is Marijuana Legal in Missouri?

This is the first question people ask—and of course, it’s an important one! The answer is yes, weed is legal in Missouri. As of November 2022, voters in our state made it legal for adults (21 and over) to use marijuana recreationally as well as medically. Since February 2023, legal weed sales have been happening throughout our state, and you can now walk into a dispensary for service.

That said, you’ll still have to adhere to the Missouri laws on weed, and it’s a good idea to find out what your specific city or town allows, too, since there may be differences between places.

What Are Missouri’s Current Marijuana Laws?

There are some differences between medical marijuana use and recreational use that you’ll want to be aware of.

How to Use Medical Marijuana in Missouri: A Brief Overview:

While the recreational use of cannabis became legal at the end of 2022, medical marijuana has been allowed in Missouri for longer—since 2018, in fact.

The law allows the use of medical cannabis for those who have a chronic, debilitating, or other medical condition, such as a terminal illness. To qualify, an MD, DO, or nurse practitioner in good standing with the state must determine that cannabis use would be a good way to treat the condition. The goal is often pain relief, lessened nausea, and easier sleep. If you qualify, you will receive a license for medical cannabis use that will need to be renewed to keep it active.
Individuals with a medical marijuana license in Missouri may purchase up to six ounces of dried, processed marijuana or its equivalent in a 30-day period, with purchases taxed at 4%. (Doctors may certify some patients for a greater amount on a case-by-case basis.) Medical weed users must be either 21 years old and up, or if younger, they must have a licensed caregiver. You or your licensed caregiver may possess up to a 60-day supply of weed (up to 12 ounces).

How to Use Weed Recreationally in Missouri:

Now that we’ve talked about medical use, let’s look at the recreational use of cannabis. In Missouri, our marijuana laws now allow for dispensaries to sell weed for recreational purposes. But there are some key differences from medical use that you should keep in mind.

Recreational use is only permitted for adults ages 21 and up. You may only purchase up to 3 ounces of dispensary weed at a time, and you may only possess up to 3 ounces at a time. That’s a significantly lower amount than medical users can have. The goal for recreational cannabis can be pain relief or better sleep, or it may be to lower anxiety and enjoy good vibes. It’s worth noting, also, that recreational use is taxed at a higher rate of 6%.

Understanding Missouri Weed Laws: What You Can and Can’t Do

There are still plenty of misconceptions about how to legally use marijuana in Missouri. Here are some key facts to keep in mind:

Who Can and Can’t Sell Weed: Only licensed dispensaries can legally sell marijuana, which allows the state to ensure the weed is carefully processed and made safe for consumption. These regulations make it easier to ensure dosages are more accurate.
- It remains against the law to sell, distribute, or grow marijuana with an active license. And it is illegal to sell or give weed to minors. The only exception is for people under the age of 21 who have qualified for a medical marijuana license with a qualified and licensed caregiver, and meeting those requirements is a high bar.
Licensing and Possession Expectations: There are many other limits set by Missouri’s weed laws as well. For instance, medical marijuana licenses are good for 3 years and then they must be renewed by a qualified medical professional, or they’ll expire. So, if you have a medical license, you’ll want to be sure it’s up-to-date.
- You can purchase either as a patient or a recreational user, but you can’t combine the two—meaning you can’t get around the purchasing and possession limits by going to one dispensary as a patient and to another dispensary as a recreational user. Dispensaries ask for IDs and licenses and must keep track of sales in order to meet this state requirement.
Owning Marijuana Plants for Personal Use: There are also limits on owning marijuana plants. Consumers may apply for a license to cultivate up to six marijuana plants for personal, non-commercial use only. Those plants can’t be distributed to anyone else, and they must be maintained in a private, locked area.
Public vs. Private Use: Missouri cannabis laws allow people to use weed within their private residences. However, if you rent your home or apartment, the landlord has a right to disallow marijuana use on the property.
- Also, it is against the law to use cannabis in public areas—including public transportation, sidewalks, streets, and parks. It’s also illegal to use weed in both public and private schools. You are not allowed to smoke in a moving car, and police officers may cite you for public use if they wish.
Employment and Medical Marijuana Use: If you use medical marijuana and are employed, you’ll want to discuss the situation discreetly with human resources and find out what is allowed. Employers may set requirements around weed use, especially when safety is concerned.
Missouri State vs. Federal Laws: Even though it is permissible to use weed locally in Missouri, possession of marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. You won’t be able to travel on an airplane with weed in your possession. And if you work for a federally regulated industry or a government institution, cannabis use may be restricted or disallowed. So, be sure to find out what you can and cannot do.

Missouri Dispensary Laws: How Dispensaries Operate

Cannabis dispensaries in Missouri are carefully regulated. To legally sell weed, a dispensary must first apply to the state for licensing and, once approved, must continue to meet all safety, security, and operational standards that Missouri’s government has instituted. Licensed dispensaries (like us!) are required to use specific seed-to-sale tracking software so that our inventory and sales are reported accurately.

Staff Will Be Well Trained and Discreet: We must also meet quality-control requirements set by Missouri dispensary laws. Employees, contractors, and volunteers must all carry an agent identification card. Also, everyone on staff must be well trained on what different marijuana strains can do, how to use them, how long it takes for effects to kick in, and more. Confidentiality of customers is expected, and training is given for this as well.
State Licensing Will Be on Display: Any dispensary operating officially will have a license clearly displayed near the store’s main entrance. If you have questions, you can always ask! Our staff is happy to answer them and offer guidance. (You can also check our FAQ anytime.)
Safety and Responsible Use Are Promoted: Missouri’s dispensary laws require adequate security for cannabis. This includes ensuring that weed cannot be accessed by anyone under age 21 who doesn’t have a medical marijuana license. Also, any products that do not contain marijuana are displayed separately so that they can’t be confused with weed products.
What to Bring with You When You Shop: Recreational use is permitted only for those 21 years and over, so dispensaries need to verify your age before allowing you to make a purchase. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a current driver’s license or passport) to show the dispensary staff. If you have a medical marijuana license, bring that as well.

Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri Cannabis Laws

Is marijuana legal in Missouri for recreational use?

Yes! Missouri voters passed a ballot initiative in November 2022 to legalize recreational use of marijuana for adults.

Who can legally use marijuana in Missouri?

Adults aged 21 and older can legally purchase and use cannabis. It is also possible for a person under the age of 18 to receive a medical marijuana license with the specific consent of their parent or legal guardian, who acts as their primary caregiver.

How much cannabis can I legally possess in Missouri?

Adults who are 21 and over can buy up to 3 ounces of cannabis at a time for recreational use. Those with a medical marijuana license can buy up to 4 ounces of flower or 6 ounces of cannabis every 30 days.

Can I smoke weed in public in Missouri?

No! While recreational marijuana use is legal, Missouri still restricts its use to private settings. If you smoke weed in public, you can be fined or even serve jail time.

Stay Updated on Missouri Marijuana Laws—with Sunrise Dispensary

Missouri cannabis laws are subject to change at any time, so it’s important to stay updated on the latest news and regulations. Official sources such as the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services will list the most recent laws for marijuana use.

At Sunrise Dispensary, our staff is well-trained on marijuana use, and we’re happy to answer your questions anytime. Feel free to stop by any of our locations to shop and speak with us, or contact us to learn more about using cannabis safely and legally in Missouri.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content reflects research, personal opinions, and reports from other sources. Sunrise Dispensary does not provide medical advice and makes no claims about the efficacy or safety of cannabis for medical or recreational use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of the information provided in this blog. Cannabis products should be used responsibly and in compliance with local laws.

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