Missouri Medical Cannabis Applications Available Next Week

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]O[/dropcap]n June 4, the state of Missouri officially made medical cannabis ID card applications available to residents, and medical cannabis business permit applications for prospective business owners.

As the Springfield News-Leader explains, leaders held a conference on June 3 examine the progress of the state’s medical cannabis program far. Ever since November 2018 when Amendment 2 passed by 65 percent, many Missourians have wondered if the new industry would be able to meet deadlines and get up and running in time. Now, state officials will make it possible for cannabis businesses, including dispensaries, grow operations, and other businesses, to finally start the process toward operation. Patients can begin filing applications starting on July 3, and businesses can file after August 3, although medical cannabis dispensaries aren’t set to open until 2020.

As it currently reads, Amendment 2 calls for the Department of Health and Senior Services to have rules, procedures, licensing and other things in place by the date of December 31, 2019. While some were skeptical, the state is now well on its way to meeting these goals.

Coltyn Turner, an individual who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2011, was present at the press conference. He urged all patients to have proper medical documentation ready so that they can be processed as quickly as possible.

However, things haven’t always gone so smoothly for Missouri. Many were upset at the beginning of the year when officials had yet to publicly name cannabis applicants. There was also a concern regarding welfare recipients who might lose their benefits if they consumed cannabis. Still, it appears that things are turning around. While there is still a way to go before medical cannabis will be readily available, potential patients are happy that things are still on schedule.