420 Friendly January 28, 2023

Missouri Legalizes Recreational Cannabis for Adults 21 and Over

As of November 2022, Missouri voters approved Amendment 2, which legalizes the use of recreational cannabis for adults 21 and over. This means that starting from February 2023, individuals in Missouri will be able to purchase and possess small amounts of marijuana for recreational use.

Medical cannabis stores will be the first to sell recreational marijuana, but the state intends to issue additional licenses to Missouri recreational dispensaries in the future. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services will be responsible for regulating and enforcing the new laws.

Missouri Recreational Cannabis

Possession Limits

Adults 21 and over will be allowed to possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana at any time, and can purchase up to 3 ounces in a single transaction. Adult-use purchases will be taxed at 6% in addition to any local taxes. It is illegal to possess more than these limits, and violators may face fines or criminal charges.

Cultivation and Homegrown Cannabis

Cultivating marijuana for personal use will also be legal under the new laws, but individuals will need to apply for a license and the department will begin accepting applications for consumer personal cultivation as soon as February 6, 2023. More information on this process will be made available on the department’s website, http://cannabis.mo.gov. It is illegal to sell or distribute any homegrown cannabis without a license.

Public Use and Driving Under the Influence

It is illegal to consume cannabis in public places, and it is also illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana. Law enforcement will have the authority to conduct sobriety tests, and individuals found to be driving under the influence of cannabis will face the same penalties as those driving under the influence of alcohol.

FAQs

  • Can I purchase cannabis at any store? Only medical cannabis dispensaries will be able to sell recreational cannabis at first, but the state intends to issue additional licenses to other businesses in the future.
  • How much cannabis can I possess at one time? Adults 21 and over will be able to possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana at any time and can purchase up to 3 ounces in a single transaction.
  • Can I grow my own cannabis? Yes, adults 21 and over will be able to grow their own cannabis at home but will need to apply for a license and the department will begin accepting applications for consumer personal cultivation as soon as February 6, 2023. More information on this process will be made available on the department’s website.
  • Is it legal to consume cannabis in public? No, it is illegal to consume cannabis in public places.
  • Can I drive under the influence of cannabis? No, it is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana and violators will face the same penalties as those driving under the influence of alcohol.

Overall, Missouri has joined many other states in the legalization of recreational cannabis for adults 21 and over, with the new laws set to take effect in February 2023. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services will be responsible for regulating and enforcing the new laws, and individuals should be aware of the possession limits, the tax rate, and the requirement to get a license for personal cultivation.