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The Missouri marijuana laws for 2023 reflect the accepting American marijuana rules. Voters have passed a series of initiatives to flip the script in under a decade. Before 2014, mere possession could lead to jail time, even for a first-time offender.
Mercifully, state legislatures aided change. Local governments confirmed the popular perception through referendums. Voters in Missouri first welcomed medicinal marijuana. Soon they opened the door to recreational use.
Read on to learn all about the legality of cannabis in Missouri. We trace the failed history of prohibition and explain the law and its restrictions. Get all the information you need about legal cannabis in the Show-Me State.
History of cannabis legalization in Missouri
Marijuana is legal in Missouri, but just ten years ago, it could land you in jail. In the USA, the gradual restriction on use began in the early 20th century. The first national regulation was the 1937 Marihuana Tax Act, restricting hemp growth.
The 1970 Controlled Substances Act officially outlawed consumption. It ruled the government could regulate and criminalize the cannabis plant. Penalties grew increasingly harsh until 2014. People fought all the way to the Supreme Court in vain.
State governments often contradicted the federal stance by implementing their own legislation. California passed Proposition 215 in 1996. It allows medicinal cannabis use, and 39 states now allow access.
The first significant step towards Missouri weed legalization occurred in May 2014. The State Senate Bill 491 reduced penalties for several cannabis offenses.
It ended potential prison time for first-time possession up to 10 grams. The bill also reduced penalties for cultivation and sale. Notably, it ended the ban on parole or probation for third-offense drug felonies.
In July 2014, Governor Jay Nixon signed the Missouri Medical Marijuana Bill. It legalized CBD oil treatments. A year later, the state issued licenses to plant cannabis seeds in Missouri for extraction.
Kansas City voted to change the penalties for simple possession in 2017. It changed from a criminal misdemeanor to a civil offense, enforced with a $25 fine.
In November 2018, 66% of voters approved the passage of Amendment 2. It legalized medical weed use, and licensed sales began in October 2020.
Voters passed Amendment 3 in November 2022 by 53–47. A month later, cannabis became legal to possess for recreational purposes. The first commercial sales took place in early February 2023.
Sales exploded, with dispensaries taking in $100 million inside a month. By June, retail transactions totaled nearly $600 million. The law has been a hit in Missouri, with increasingly brisk business.
What are the marijuana laws in Missouri?
Did marijuana become legal in Missouri? Yes, it sure did. Voters passed Amendment 3 in 2022. It legalizes possession, cultivation, and licensed sales for anyone over 21.
The Show-Me State also has legal medical marijuana provisions. It regulates and taxes products similar to alcohol. They went on sale in February 2023.
It’s legal to buy and cultivate high THC cannabis seeds. You need a non-commercial cultivation registration card to grow your own crop. It permits the cultivation of six mature plants per person, or a maximum of 12 per residence.
The law gives licensing preference to existing businesses. Voters can mandate restrictions or bans on cannabis retailers in local referendums.
The law includes a 6% retail sales tax. The government has earmarked that tax to support veterans’ initiatives, legal aid for low-income people, and other community services.
The amendment should also expunge thousands of criminal records. The authorities deleted all misdemeanor offenses by June, with tens of thousands benefitting. It promises to erase non-violent felony offenses by December 2023.
Medical marijuana updates include allowing nurse practitioners to recommend the plant. You can buy products made from CBD seeds with low THC to address several issues.
Laws extend the validity of the registration card from one to three years. They include measures to protect patients from discrimination.
The law doesn’t allow cannabis use where tobacco products are banned. It also limits the potential for monopolization of local dispensaries or production facilities. Businesses in Missouri don’t need to change their drug policies in any way.
Restrictions and limits
Missouri weed legalization opens up a whole new market for business. The state has issued 13,000 agent IDs, boosting employment levels. We look at some of the specifics below.
How many grams of weed can I possess in Missouri?
Users can possess up to three ounces of recreational marijuana in any setting in the state. You can buy up to three ounces in a single transaction at a dispensary.
The law permits patients and their caregivers to purchase up to six ounces every 30 days. A doctor or qualified nurse can certify a greater amount.
Can I grow cannabis in Missouri?
Yes. If you’re over 21, you can get a personal cultivation card from the Department of Health. It allows you to grow six flowering plants and six non-flowering plants above 14 inches. Cultivation must take place at a private residence.
Is recreational marijuana legal in Missouri?
When can you buy recreational marijuana in Missouri? Right now. The law passed in December 2022. Dispensaries started selling recreational products on February 3rd, 2023.
Over $12 million in medical and recreational purchases poured in on the first weekend. Within a month, 200 dispensaries in MO surpassed $100 million in transactions.
Where can I buy cannabis seeds legally in Missouri?
Weed is legal in Missouri, and you can grow your own buds. Buy your weed seeds at the largest seed bank in the United States. Seed Supreme bank offers over 1,500 of the world’s most epic strains.
Our company sources the best genetics from around the globe to ensure satisfaction. We distribute regular, feminized, and autoflower varieties. Expect fantastic deals and regular special offers. We deliver nationwide within days, so why not order your favorite marijuana seeds now?
Key takeaways
The most important points are:
- Weed is legal to grow, possess, and consume in prescribed settings for those over 21.
- You need a personal cultivation registration card to grow your own crops.
- Anyone over 21 can purchase and possess up to three ounces with a valid photo ID.
- You can’t light up in public.
Frequently asked questions
When did they legalize marijuana in Missouri? The Show-Me State sanctioned medical marijuana in 2018 and adult-use in 2022. Many people are still unsure of their rights, so we respond to a few common queries below.
Can I enter a dispensary without a card in Missouri?
Adult-use weed became legally available in February 2023. You can buy up to three ounces in a single transaction and possess that amount at any time. You’ll need a valid government-issued photo ID to buy at a dispensary.
Are edibles and concentrates legal in Missouri?
Yes. Adults over 21 can buy up to three ounces of recreational weed in Missouri. Consumers can purchase dried cannabis or the equivalent in edibles, vapes, or concentrates.
Can I smoke in public areas with a medical card in Missouri?
No, you can’t. Article 14 of the state constitution outlaws public use. Medical cannabis users have additional rights and some exceptions. Patients with a valid card can toke privately in the 92 state parks. In St Louis, the Cola Private Lounge is the leading legal consumption space.
