Are you a cannabis entrepreneur in Missouri looking to get into the recreational marijuana industry? Don’t miss out on the opportunity to apply for a cannabis microbusiness license. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced its timeline for the second round of miro business licenses. The online portal will be open from April 15-29th. The lottery will happen in June and licenses are expected to be issued in July of 2024.
Read on to learn about eligibility requirements, application materials, and the timeline for applying. With preparation and determination, you could be successful in obtaining a license. Consult with our cannabis industry lawyer on your application.
Apply for a Missouri microbusiness marijuana license
The state has created two different options for small businesses that have the right split of equity in their entities with eligible individuals as defined under the rules.
- Microbusiness dispensary: This type of license allows businesses to sell wholesaler’s marijuana products to consumers.
- Microbusiness wholesale: This type of license allows businesses to cultivate and sell marijuana products to other micro-businesses, such as dispensaries and cultivators.
What Is A Marijuana MicroBusiness in Missouri?
A microbusiness license for cannabis in Missouri is a hybrid license to cultivate or sell to adults or medical patients cannabis cultivated pursuant to a micro business license awarded by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
A marijuana microbusiness License permits the business to:
- Cultivate up to 250 plants;
- Process marijuana and create marijuana-infused products.
- Sell marijuana and products infused with marijuana produced by the microbusiness to people aged 21 and older or medical patients.
- be more than 50% owned by an eligible applicant as defined under the law.
A microbusiness is a special type of cannabis business license only open to eligible applicants that comply with the application process and are awarded a license from the regulators.
Who is eligible for a cannabis microbusiness license
To be eligible for a cannabis microbusiness license in Missouri, applicants must meet strict requirements regarding residency, age, identification, net worth, and income. In addition to these requirements, service-connected disability cards and previous marijuana-related offenses or discrimination can affect eligibility. Eligible individuals should prepare to gather documentation such as tax returns and court records before the application period opens in late July 2023.
To be eligible to apply for a cannabis microbusiness license in Missouri, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a net worth of less than $250,000 and have had an income below two hundred and fifty percent of the federal poverty level, or successor level, as set forth in the applicable calendar year’s federal poverty income guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or its successor agency, for at least three of the ten calendar years prior to applying for a marijuana microbusiness facility license; or
- Have a valid service-connected disability card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, or successor agency; or
- Be a person who has been or a person whose parent, guardian or spouse has been arrested for, prosecuted for, or convicted of a non-violent marijuana offense, except for a conviction involving provision of marijuana to a minor, or a conviction of driving under the influence of marijuana. The arrest, charge, or conviction must have Missouri Microbusiness Marijuana License occurred at least one year prior to the effective date of this section; or
- Reside in a ZIP code or census tract area where:
- (1) Thirty percent or more of the population lives below the federal poverty level; or
- (2) The rate of unemployment is fifty percent higher than the state average rate of unemployment; or
- (3) The historic rate of incarceration for marijuana-related offenses is fifty percent higher than the rate for the entire state; or
- (4) Graduated from a school district that was unaccredited, or had a similar successor designation, at the time of graduation, or has lived in a zip code containing an unaccredited school district, or similar successor designation, for three of the past five years.
You cannot have a “Disqualifying felony offense” and win a mirco business license in Missouri
A “disqualifying felony offense” means a violation of, and conviction of or guilty plea to, state or federal law that is, or would have been, a felony under Missouri law, regardless of the sentence imposed, unless the department determines that-
- The person’s conviction was for the medical use of marijuana or assisting in the medical use of marijuana;
- The person’s conviction was for a non-violent crime for which he or she was not incarcerated and that is more than five (5) years old; or
- More than five (5) years have passed since the person was released from parole or probation, and he or she has not been convicted of any subsequent criminal offenses.
Real Estate is required
You MUST have compliant and zoned correct real estate in Missouri for your Micro business Dispensary or Wholesale business operation.
Age Requirements For a Missouri micro grow license
To apply for a cannabis microbusiness license in Missouri, you must meet the minimum age requirement of 21 years old. DHSS will verify your eligibility through a rigorous verification process that includes providing a copy of your state identification card or driver’s license. Make sure to have all necessary documents ready before starting the application process to avoid delays and increase your chances of success. With Amendment 3 creating new congressional districts, now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity before costs increase and competition becomes more intense in future rounds.
Identification
Accepted forms of identification for the Missouri cannabis microbusiness application process include a valid driver’s license or state identification card. The validity period of these documents should cover the entire duration of the application process. It is important to ensure that your identification documents are up-to-date and valid, as this will be necessary for every step in the application process.
Net worth and income
To apply for a cannabis microbusiness license in Missouri, you must have a net worth of less than $250,000 and an income below two hundred and fifty percent of the federal poverty level for the past three years. The income verification process will require submitting tax returns for the past three years with your application. This information is crucial as it determines eligibility to enter into this lucrative industry. Amendment 3 also mandates that microbusinesses be owned by residents of specific congressional districts to ensure locals benefit from cannabis-related commerce while keeping costs low.
Service-connected disability
To qualify for a cannabis microbusiness license in Missouri, applicants must provide documentation to prove their service-connected disability status. This includes a valid service-connected disability card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or a successor agency. In addition, veterans can choose to have their “Veteran” designation added to their Missouri ID or driver’s license.
Documentation needed to prove service-connected disability status:
- Valid service-connected disability card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or successor agency.
Veteran designation on Missouri ID or driver’s license:
- Veterans can add the “Veteran” designation to their Missouri ID or driver’s license.
Note: Amendment 3 imposes an extra cost on medical marijuana businesses and creates additional congressional districts for both state and federal elections in Missouri. However, it does not directly impact the application process for cannabis microbusiness licenses.
Marijuana-related offenses
If you have a past marijuana conviction, it could impact your eligibility for a cannabis Missouri micro grow license. However, Amendment 3 to the law allows individuals who were arrested, prosecuted or convicted of non-violent marijuana offenses to apply for licenses without being disqualified solely on that basis. Additionally, clean slate provisions in the law mean that applicants who have been victimized by marijuana-related discrimination may also still be eligible if they meet other criteria.
It is important to note that meeting all requirements does not guarantee a license as DHSS will select applicants through a lottery system. The cost of a successful application should not deter entrepreneurs from applying as this opportunity offers great potential returns on investment with Missouri’s burgeoning cannabis market and its congressional districts’ allocation quotas.
Application materials
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is currently accepting applications for cannabis microbusiness licenses until August 10, 2023. To apply, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and submit a completed application form with required documents such as tax returns, service-connected disability card (if applicable), court records (if applicable), and other supporting documentation. The application process is competitive as DHSS will select applicants based on a lottery system. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to start your own small business in the burgeoning cannabis industry in Missouri!
Application form
The online application process for a Missouri cannabis microbusiness license is now open! To apply, you must be a resident of Missouri, at least 21 years old, and meet other eligibility requirements such as having had an income below two hundred and fifty percent of the federal poverty level for the past three years. The required information to fill out your application includes identification documents such as a copy of your driver’s license or state ID card, tax returns from the past three years, service-connected disability cards (if applicable), court records (if necessary), and any documentation that supports your eligibility. Be sure to pay attention to deadlines and submit all required materials on time. Don’t miss this opportunity to get into the booming cannabis industry in Missouri!
Identification documents
Acceptable forms of identification include a valid driver’s license or state identification card. To obtain the necessary identification documents, you must visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles office with proof of identity and residency. It is important to submit all required identification documents with your application to avoid delays in processing and potential disqualification from the lottery system.
Tax returns
Tax Returns:
To successfully apply for a cannabis microbusiness license in Missouri, you must provide copies of your tax returns from the past three years. It is important to ensure that these documents are accurate and up-to-date. The following information will help guide you on the required documentation when submitting your tax returns.
- What tax returns are required for submission?
- Copies of your personal income tax returns (form 1040) or business income tax returns (form 1120).
- Where and how to retrieve past tax returns if needed?
- Past federal income taxes can be retrieved through the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) website.
- State income taxes can be retrieved through the Missouri Department of Revenue.
- Deadlines for submitting tax return documentation.
- Tax return documents should be included with your application form at least two weeks before the deadline given by DHSS.
Ensuring that all necessary paperwork has been submitted correctly and within deadlines is essential when applying for a microbusiness license. With proper preparation, entrepreneurs in Missouri have a chance to get ahead in this emerging market opportunity!
Service-connected disability card
A service-connected disability card is a document issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or a successor agency to veterans who have a disability that was incurred or aggravated during military service. Obtaining this card can be an important step in your application for a cannabis microbusiness license in Missouri. The process involves submitting documentation to prove your eligibility, including court records and tax returns, along with the completed application form. Having this card increases your chances of getting approved for a microbusiness license because it demonstrates that you meet one of the eligibility requirements set forth by the regulators (DHSS).
Court records
Court records are required as part of the application materials for a cannabis microbusiness license in Missouri. These records can include any previous convictions or legal issues related to non-violent marijuana offenses. If you have prior convictions, it may affect your eligibility for a microbusiness license.
Obtaining copies of necessary court records is an important step in the application process. You can request copies of these documents from the court where they were filed. It’s essential that you provide accurate and complete information to ensure timely processing of your request.
Application timeline
The application period for the first round of microbusiness licenses in Missouri is in April of 2024, and A lottery drawing will be held on October 4, and the winners will be issued microbusiness licenses on October 18. It’s important to gather all necessary documents and meet eligibility requirements as soon as possible to ensure a competitive application. The future rounds of microbusiness licenses in Missouri have not yet been announced, so don’t miss out on this opportunity in 2023.
Second round of microbusiness licenses
Only a limited number of licenses will be available for the first round of microbusiness applications in Missouri. This makes the application process highly competitive, so it’s essential to submit your application as early as possible if you want to secure one of these coveted licenses. Early applicants will benefit from better chances of being selected and higher visibility for their business, allowing them to establish themselves ahead of competitors. Don’t hesitate – start preparing your application today and seize this unique opportunity to join Missouri’s thriving cannabis industry!
Future rounds of microbusiness licenses
The final round of Missouri microbusiness licenses is scheduled for 2025. This will be the third round, following the issuance of 48 licenses in both 2023 and 2024. The application and lottery process for this final round will be announced by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) on their website, and it will follow the same process as the previous rounds, where applicants are selected by a random lottery system.
For the most recent round in 2024, 57 licenses were issued, including some that became available due to revocations from the first round. The process involves a lottery followed by a review to ensure the selected applicants meet the eligibility requirements before the licenses are officially granted.
