Recreational marijuana changes in Missouri start Thursday
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
On Thursday, recreational marijuana use is officially legal in Missouri.
This comes after Missourians approved the legalization of marijuana in last month's midterm election. Voters approved Amendment 3 with more than 53% of votes in favor of the measure.
However, medical marijuana dispensaries still have some work to do before recreational sales can begin. Dispensaries across the Show-Me State can apply Thursday to change their license type under the state's recreational program.
Anyone without a medical marijuana card still cannot purchase marijuana from dispensaries. According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Missourians may get the chance to buy recreational marijuana sometime in February once dispensaries receive their licenses.
Over the next 18 months, medical marijuana facilities are the only businesses allowed to get a license for the new program. However, an additional 144 microbusiness licenses are available to individuals through a lottery drawing.
The licenses will allow people who want to work in the marijuana industry a chance to grow and sell smaller amounts of marijuana. Applications for microbusiness licenses are expected to start no later than June 2023.
According to the state health department, it's unknown if any additional licenses will be given out once the microbusiness licenses are distributed.
Also starting Thursday, thousands of Missourians will receive a second chance. Missouri will start to expunge non-violent convictions for both possession and paraphernalia charges.
Misdemeanor marijuana offenses will automatically get expunged. The courts will then have six months to clear certain records.
Missourians charged with felony possession of up to three pounds of marijuana will also receive expungements. However, the courts will have a year to handle those types of cases. Anyone convicted of having more than three pounds of marijuana will need to submit a petition.
Someone with a felony possession conviction for more than three pounds and is in prison, on probation, or on parole must finish their sentence before applying for expungement. Missourians with marijuana convictions involving violence, driving under the influence, or selling to a minor aren't eligible for expungement.
Attorney Dan Viets tells ABC 17 News those seeking an expungement should follow up with the courts and provide an updated address. That will allow the courts to send a letter that lets you know when the charge is expunged.
