Missouri gets 400-plus applications for medical cannabis business permits

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Business interest in Missouri’s medical marijuana program remains strong, with the state receiving more than 400 applications for retail, cultivation and processor licenses.

The state reported that 418 business application forms have been filed, generating more than $3 million in “pre-license” fees for the state. The state started taking the forms last month.

The breakdown in license interest: 226 dispensaries, 128 cultivators, 64 processors.

The MMJ initiative approved by voters in November provides for robust business opportunities.

The measure called for no fewer than 192 dispensaries (at least 24 for each of eight congressional districts), at least one grower per 100,000 inhabitants (or about 60), and at least one processor per 70,000 inhabitants (or 85 based on a population of roughly 6 million).

Missouri regulators aren’t expected to start considering the applications until late this summer, and questions exist about whether the pre-licensing fees are too high for entrepreneurs, Columbia TV station KMIZ reported.

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