Missouri Picks Winners for Microbusiness Cannabis Licenses

Missouri has chosen the lucky winners of a lottery granting access to its microbusiness cannabis program. This initiative aims to help businesses in underserved communities. Each of the state’s eight Congressional districts has six winners, two of which will run small dispensaries and four will manage wholesale operations, including growing up to 250 plants, the state’s Department of Health and Senior Services said in a press release.

Over 1,600 applications were received between July 27 and August 10. The highest number of applicants, 251, came from the 4th Congressional district, covering the central-western part of the state. The lowest, with 143 applicants, was the 1st District, which includes the city of St. Louis.

Applicants qualified based on different factors such as income level, living in disadvantaged areas, or previous marijuana-related arrests. The state will share the most common qualifications in a report due by January 1.

The Health and Senior Services Department will now review the top applicants to ensure they meet all criteria. Applicants will have three business days to provide any needed extra information. The state plans to issue licenses by October 4 after this review process.