Missouri continues to ramp up its pre-application window for medical marijuana licenses. Would-be applicants have been allowed to pay pre-application fees since early January. And in recent weeks, Missouri’s DHSS has been giving the public a clear look into its drafting process for regulations and now some aspects of its application process.

Drafts should be “Must-Read” materials for all legit cannabis applicants

Missouri’s medical cannabis application process is going to be “competitive” and by that we mean that the state will have defined criteria based on a scoring rubric that all applicants will be judged on. More state and municipal agencies are utilizing competitive applications to afford the licensing entities a degree of discretion and control within the application cycle. We understand the concerns about competitive applications, but we also greatly appreciate local and state authorities taking agency and demanding the best out of all applicants –MMLG has also had some success for clients in the competitive cycle. Fortunately, Missouri’s being pretty transparent in showing these drafts and that should help applicants get a clearer idea of what to expect come June 4th.

We’ve been spending a tremendous amount of time in Missouri the past few months (MoCann and then our quick tour across the state), but just in case you’ve not been able to meet up with us on the ground: read the DHSS drafts of regulations, questions and their scoring rubric.

There’s a lot to unpack, but here are a few ideas on where to get started:

• Facility Questions Draft: Use these to give yourself a bit more familiarity with the complexity and depth that the DHSS will be diving in on for your background and your business.
• Evaluation Scoring Table (with criteria) Draft: This is another big one. It’s just a draft, but you’re not going to get a clearer look into how the DHSS will be setting up their scoring system.
• Looking for something specific?: DHSS has extensive drafts across transport, cultivation, testing, dispensary and manufacturing. Click the links and dive in.
• Have something to say?: If you have a suggestion or specific concern, the DHSS has set up a feedback form.

As always, if you are looking for some assistance or clarification on applying for any medical marijuana license, feel welcome to get in touch with MMLG!