Missouri Sets Record-breaking Monthly Sales in December with Over $1.3 Billion in Cannabis Transactions

In a groundbreaking development, adult-use marijuana sales in Missouri reached an unprecedented milestone in December, culminating in a record-breaking monthly figure and marking a remarkable total of over $1.3 billion in cannabis transactions for the entirety of 2023.

Recreational cannabis purchases in December soared to $106.5 million, surpassing the state's previous record of $98.7 million set in July. Since the initiation of adult-use cannabis sales to individuals aged 21 and older in February of the preceding year, Missouri has witnessed a cumulative total of nearly $1.04 billion in adult-use sales.

The latest data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’s Division of Cannabis Regulation reveals that the overall recorded cannabis sales in Missouri, encompassing both medical and adult-use transactions, have now reached an impressive $1.94 billion.

While adult-use cannabis sales flourish, medical marijuana transactions have exhibited a slowing trend throughout the year. December's medical marijuana sales amounted to $16.8 million, nearing the lowest monthly figure for 2023 and significantly less than the $40.3 million recorded a year earlier.

The decline in medical sales mirrors a statewide pattern observed in many regions where adult-use dispensaries gain prominence. Missouri's medical marijuana program has also witnessed a reduction in enrolled patients and caregivers, with the latest statistics indicating 106,627 registered patients—a substantial decrease from the 204,165 reported a year prior.

As Missouri approaches the one-year anniversary of legalized adult-use sales, efforts are underway to address associated criminal justice reforms. Recent developments include a request for an additional $3.7 million by state courts to expedite the expungement of past cannabis-related criminal records. This request follows the initial allocation of $4.2 million for the same purpose.

The slow and meticulous process of reviewing criminal records has already led to the expungement of over 100,000 marijuana cases from court records, emphasizing the extensive impact of the legal changes.

In anticipation of the upcoming legislative session, a Democratic lawmaker has pre-filed a bill aiming to restrict law enforcement from using the smell of marijuana as the sole justification for warrantless searches of vehicles or properties. This measure emphasizes that the “odor of marijuana alone shall not provide a law enforcement officer with probable cause.”

Concurrently, a legislative proposal by Republicans seeks to codify a policy reducing workers' compensation awards by half for on-the-job injuries if an employee tests positive for marijuana, irrespective of their responsibility for the incident.

Additionally, concerns have been raised about the ownership composition of social equity marijuana licenses, with more than 40 percent of listed owners in October's license applications coming from outside Missouri. Oversight measures are being implemented to ensure the eligibility of applicants and uphold the integrity of the social equity program.

This news, originally covered by Marijuana Moment, is based on the most recent data available from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’s Division of Cannabis Regulation.