Missouri Awards 57 Cannabis Microbusiness Licenses in Latest Lottery Draw
Missouri’s Division of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) has awarded 57 marijuana microbusiness licenses to top applicants selected through a lottery draw held on June 4. This marks the completion of the second of three planned rounds for distributing microbusiness licenses, as outlined in Section 2 of Article XIV of the state’s constitution. The process, managed by the Missouri Lottery, was designed to ensure fairness and transparency, with no reference to the identities of the applicants during the selection process.
Distribution of Licenses Across Congressional Districts
The DCR received over 2,000 applications during the application window from April 15-29, highlighting the significant interest in Missouri’s burgeoning cannabis industry. The licenses were distributed across the state’s eight congressional districts, with each district receiving a minimum of six licenses: two for microbusiness dispensaries and four for microbusiness wholesale facilities. Additionally, nine extra licenses were awarded due to the revocation of licenses from the first round because of rule violations. These additional licenses were allocated across the six congressional districts affected by the revocations.
Eligibility and Review Process
Before issuing the licenses, the DCR conducted a thorough review of the applications drawn in the lottery to verify the eligibility of the applicants. This review ensured compliance with the regulatory standards set forth by the state, maintaining the integrity of the licensing process.
Applicants who were not selected in the lottery may be eligible for a refund of their application fees. To qualify for a refund, applicants must submit a Microbusiness Application Refund Request form, available on the Department’s website. Refunds are contingent upon the applicant certifying that they have met the necessary criteria for a license and have no pending or future litigation related to the application process. The form will be accessible 30 days after the issuance of the second round of licenses.
Future Licensing Opportunities
The next and final round of microbusiness licenses, totaling 48, will be distributed through an application and lottery process scheduled for 2025. This final round will further support the growth of small-scale cannabis businesses in Missouri, fostering diversity and accessibility within the state’s cannabis industry.
The complete list of lottery drawing results and the names of the approved microbusiness licensees are available on the Department’s website. This public disclosure supports transparency and allows the community to see the outcomes of the lottery process.
The awarding of these 57 microbusiness licenses represents a significant milestone in Missouri’s efforts to develop a regulated cannabis market that offers opportunities to small businesses. As the state moves towards the final phase of licensing in 2025, the DCR’s commitment to a fair and transparent process will continue to be crucial in ensuring the success and integrity of the cannabis industry in Missouri.
