Columbia, Missouri Marijuana laws: Is Marijuana Legal in Missouri

Missouri has legalized medical cannabis, but not recreational cannabis. Missourians passed Amendment2 in 2018 for the use of medical marijuana in Columbia and throughout the state. In late 2019 and early 2020 the state began issuing licenses to dispensaries and labs, growers, producers, and cultivators. As dispensaries opened, sales to participants in the medical marijuana program slowly began to roll out.

Missouri state legislators rewrote their criminal code in 2014 to lower marijuana possession penalties with Senate Bill 491. Since 2017, possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana is not punishable by a penalty other than a fine.

Missouri medical marijuana laws

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services manages the state’s medical marijuana program, which includes applications and licensing for patients and caregivers, as well as for medical marijuana dispensaries. Patients and caregivers can apply $25 to obtain medical marijuana, and $100 to obtain a patient cultivation license.

Missouri medical marijuana requirements

Missourians who have the following conditions are eligible for medical marijuana:

• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Migraines that are persistent and unresponsive to any other treatment
• Chronic medical condition that causes persistent, severe pain or muscle spasms. This includes multiple sclerosis, seizures and Parkinson’s disease.
• If diagnosed by a psychiatrist licensed in the state, it will be considered a debilitating mental disorder.
• Human immunodeficiency virus (or acquired immune deficiency Syndrome)
• A chronic medical condition which is usually treated with prescription medication. This could lead to psychological or physical dependence. When a doctor determines that medical marijuana would be more effective than the prescription medication and that it would be safer, they will recommend medical marijuana.
• A terminal illness
• Any other chronic, debilitating or other medical condition that is determined by a doctor, such as hepatitis C (ALS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Crohn’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Crohn’s Disease, Huntington’s, Huntington’s, autism, neuropathies and sickle cell anemia, agitation Alzheimer’s, cachexia, or wasting syndrome.

How to obtain a Missouri medical marijuana card

As described in 19, CSR 30-95.030, the steps to obtain a Missouri medical marijuana identification card are as follows.

• The applicant must see a Missouri-licensed doctor (an MD/DO) and be in good standing under Missouri law.

• The certification must be submitted by the physician directly to the Department of Health and Senior Services.

• After an applicant has been issued a PCF, they will need to register and apply online for an ID card. Within 30 days of receiving the application, the state will approve or deny it.

Keep in mind that your PCF must not be older than 30 days at the time you apply for or renew your medical marijuana license.

Missouri has laws regarding marijuana cultivation

Missouri does not allow you to grow marijuana unless you are a licensed medical marijuana cultivator. After paying an additional fee to become a patient-culator, medical marijuana patients can grow up to six plants.

Shared cultivation is also governed by rules. Missouri has a limit of two people who can cultivate in one space. This could include two patients or two caregivers, as well as any combination of these two. Missouri Constitution Article XIV allows for more flexibility in allowing plants to be grown in a shared place.

If two people share the space, 12 flowering marijuana plants can be grown in it. 12 nonflowering and 12 clones may also be grown. If one of the two individuals is a caregiver, the other may have 6 additional flowering marijuana plants and 6 nonflowering plants. The caregiver can also add 6 clones and 6 more plants to the shared space. This allows the caregiver to grow plants for her patient and herself. In this case, plants can only be grown in one space.

Missouri possession laws

Although possession of less than 10 grams has been made illegal in the state, selling or distributing any amount of cannabis can be a felony that carries a maximum $10,000 fine and a penalty of up to four year imprisonment.

Missouri Public Consumption Laws

19 CSR30-95.030 states that medical marijuana patients cannot consume their marijuana in public places. Many public places include parks, sidewalks, schools and businesses.

It also says that the rule allows for “the designation of a non-public space within a public area, the owner of such property may, however, not be required to provide one or more enclosed, privately located spaces where one qualifying person may consume medical cannabis.”

Missouri cannabis DUI laws

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services doesn’t make any exceptions to the prohibition on driving while under the influence of marijuana. Even if a person is licensed to use medical marijuana, the patient identification card doesn’t offer protections against violating laws regarding operating motorized vehicles while impaired. Article XIV does not allow a person to operate, control, or navigate any dangerous motor vehicle, motor boat, or aircraft while impaired by marijuana.

Where to Buy Medical Marijuana in Columbia, MO

If you are a Missouri certified medical marijuana patient, you can buy your cannabis from any licensed Columbia dispensary near you. So, what are you waiting for, visit your nearest dispensary now and buy your favorite products.

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