Marijuana Dispensaries Prepare as February 6 Approaches

Cox said any remaining applications from dispensaries that require conversion to a blanket license must be completed by February 6.

Adults have been able to legally own up to 3 ounces of marijuana since December 8, but starting February 6, they will be able to purchase up to 3 ounces at a licensed dispensary in Missouri.

Adults who plan to purchase marijuana from a legal dispensary must present valid state-of-the-art ID to do so. Some dispensaries will accept debit card payments, while others will only take cash.

Dispensaries are unable to accept credit card payments because marijuana is still illegal at the federal level.

The provisions on adult use of marijuana are spelled out in Amendment 3, which passed November 8 with 53.1% of voters. Missouri became the 21st state to legalize recreational cannabis during that election.

Under the new regulations, medical marijuana patients can now possess up to 6 ounces in a 30-day period, a change from the previous 4-ounce limit, according to DHSS.

A 6% state sales tax will be added to the bill on all purchases. The tax revenue will be split between Veterans Services, Drug Addiction Treatment and the Missouri Public Defense System, as described in Amendment 3.

Local governments can also impose an additional tax of up to 3%, although medical marijuana purchases will continue to charge a tax rate of 4%, according to DHSS.

The Columbia City Council approved a procedure for the April 4 ballot asking voters if they would authorize a 3% tax on recreational marijuana purchases in the city.

The Boone County Commission has approved a similar 3% tax measure to the April 4 ballot that will apply to recreational marijuana purchases in the county.

In all jurisdictions, smoking marijuana in public places will be prohibited anywhere where smoking tobacco is prohibited, according to the amendment. The penalty for smoking marijuana in an undesignated area will be no more than a $100 fine and a civil penalty.

Driving under the influence of marijuana is not permitted, along with using marijuana in the workplace or on school grounds, selling marijuana outside of the regulated system or transporting marijuana to another state.

In Columbia, a High Profile dispensary on Interstate 70 Drive is preparing to expand to adult consumers on February 7. High Profile is owned by C3 Industries, which has 20 locations in three states, including five in Missouri.

Angela Augustine, director of stores, said the state looked at the dispensary’s performance from an inventory and compliance perspective to make sure there were no serious irregularities during the application proce