Missouri recently legalized adult-use cannabis and residents can now legally purchase and possess cannabis for recreational use. Adult-use cannabis sales began in February 2023, and the state has since witnessed an unprecedented surge in cannabis sales, shattering expectations and generating substantial revenue for the state’s economy.
The Missouri cannabis industry has quickly become a key driver of job creation, innovation, and prosperity for residents. Within the first month, recreational dispensaries generated an estimated $103 million in cannabis sales. As Missouri’s cannabis market continues to evolve, it promises economic growth, social progress, and a myriad of possibilities for both businesses and consumers alike.
Licensing & Compliance
Adult-use cannabis was legalized in Missouri through a voter-approved constitutional amendment. Amendment 3, which legalized the cultivation and licensed retail sale of cannabis for those ages 21 and older, also permits consumers to possess up to three ounces of cannabis and home-cultivate cannabis after obtaining a Personal Cultivation Card as of December 8, 2022.
Amendment 3 also enacted a six percent tax on the retail price of recreational cannabis products. This tax will play a crucial role in generating revenue for the state and funding various programs and initiatives. Additionally, the amendment allows individuals with certain cannabis-related offenses to petition for release from prison or parole and probation, as well as have their records expunged.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (Missouri DHSS) has been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing and regulating the adult-use cannabis market. As the governing body, the Missouri DHSS will play a vital role in ensuring compliance, maintaining industry standards, and safeguarding public health and safety as the market evolves.
Missouri will soon be accepting licenses for cannabis microbusinesses, including Microbusiness Dispensaries (retailers) and Microbusiness Wholesale Facilities, which will handle cultivation and manufacturing. To encourage diversity and prevent monopolization within the industry, Missouri cannabis law prohibits individuals from submitting more than one application – effectively preventing the growth of multi-store operators.
The application process for Missouri cannabis microbusiness licenses will begin on July 27, 2023, presenting an excellent chance for individuals to enter this emerging market.
Shopping Experience & Merchandising
Existing medical dispensaries kicked off adult-use cannabis sales in Missouri, so it will be a competitive market for those entering through the upcoming microbusiness licensing round. These
medical dispensaries have converted to serve the new recreational cannabis market and have renovated to accommodate larger crowds and optimize product merchandising opportunities.
Missouri’s decision to legalize adult-use cannabis has already sparked a thriving canna-tourism industry, attracting visitors from neighboring states. Illinois, the sole bordering state with a legal recreational cannabis market, has seen a significant outflow of tourists crossing over to Missouri. One of the driving factors behind this surge is Missouri’s competitive pricing for cannabis products, enticing consumers seeking affordability and product variety. Furthermore, Missouri’s appeal extends beyond Illinois, as it also draws in tourists from neighboring states that have yet to establish their own adult-use cannabis programs.
For new and existing Missouri dispensaries, it will be important to create an environment where both novice and seasoned cannabis consumers feel comfortable. Staff should be approachable, well-informed, and capable of addressing any inquiries customers may have and the store layout should facilitate multiple customer touchpoints through intentional dispensary design.
One dispensary design system which has been invaluable to new operators as well as those in the process of renovations is The Module System by SevenPoint Interiors. This modular fixture display collection has been designed specifically for the retail cannabis industry and is available in standard and custom colors, along with a wide range of finishes and infinite configurations. New or existing operators simply need to plug in their brand and layout to create a premium cannabis shopping experience for their customers – without a massive timeline or budget.
Designing an adult-use cannabis dispensary in Missouri, or adapting an existing medical marijuana retailer, requires meticulous planning and thorough preparation. Still, operators can ensure success in this competitive industry by staying informed on the market and evolving regulations, creating a space that elevates the customer shopping experience, and forming a team of experts to design and build out their dispensary.
Why Choose SevenPoint Interiors?
SevenPoint Interiors’ is a premium retail design and manufacturing company specifically designated to the cannabis space -serving as a one-stop-resource by providing turnkey solutions to elevate the cannabis industry through retail design, for an enhanced shopping experience. Founded in 2017, as a division of Visual Elements Manufacturing -a leading retail design and manufacturing creative agency based in Toronto, Canada working on projects globally -SevenPoint Interiors is focused on enhancing the cannabis experience for patients and dispensary owners. With vertically integrated solutions, state-of-the-art commercial-grade equipment with manufacturing capabilities to execute custom fabrication and specialty finishes, the firm has strategically placed itself in a position to support multiple types of clients and retail projects inclusive to all budgets.
Looking to Hire a Dispensary Designer?
We provide custom interior design for cannabis dispensaries. If you think we’d make a good fit, contact our team today.