The Division of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) in Missouri has awarded 48 marijuana microbusiness licenses to the top candidates selected in a recent lottery held on August 28. With over 1,600 hopeful applicants submitting between July 27 and August 10, the odds were steep. The Missouri Lottery oversaw the drawing, ensuring that selections were made without knowledge of applicant identities. The names of the successful licensees are now available for viewing on the Department’s official website, Cannabis.Mo.Gov.
In a bid to maintain an equitable distribution, six licenses were allocated in each of Missouri’s eight congressional districts. These licenses are further divided, with two being dedicated for microbusiness dispensaries and the remaining four designated for microbusiness wholesale facilities. Before the licenses were officially handed out, the DCR thoroughly reviewed each selected application to confirm the applicant’s eligibility.
Those who weren’t as fortunate in the lottery shouldn’t lose heart. They have the right to request a refund, provided they meet the stipulated licensing criteria and aren’t entangled in any ongoing or anticipated litigation. From November 2, 2023, the Department will begin accepting these refund requests. Both the necessary refund request form and associated guidelines will be uploaded to the Cannabis.Mo.Gov website by this date.
Looking ahead, prospective cannabis entrepreneurs can anticipate more opportunities. The DCR plans to roll out an additional 48 licenses in both 2024 and 2025 during each application and lottery phase. For a comprehensive understanding of microbusiness licensing and related requirements, interested parties are directed to visit Cannabis.Mo.Gov.
