First medical cannabis dispensary in Jefferson City opens

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri Health & Wellness, a medical cannabis company licensed to operate five dispensaries in the state, opened its Jefferson City location on Monday.

The store is the first in Jefferson City.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services approved Missouri Health & Wellness as one of the first companies to operate in the state.

MH&W also owns and operates dispensaries in Washington, Belton, Kirksville and Sedalia.

The new store, located at 1404-A Missouri Blvd., will sell a variety of flower strains and edibles immediately, with more products in the works as supply becomes more available.

The regional manager Kathleen Beebe, said some customers waited years for this moment in Jefferson City.

"I find it very rewarding when someone walks in and they tell you what they have been dealing with and they know that this could help them but they haven't had access to it, so that is so rewarding it often brings tears to my eyes," she said.

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, 33 medical marijuana dispensaries in Missouri have been approved for operation, and 15 are approved for cultivation.

The state also reported a total of $8,807,160 in medical marijuana sales as of Friday, which is up more than $3 million form December.

Ward 2 Councilman Mike Lester said this addition to the community will benefit the local economy.

"People need the products and use the products so there is demand," he said. "There will be some revenue that will be generated, tax revenue to the city."

Currently there are 115 medical marijuana facility commencement inspections requested, with 41 in progress, and 59 approved to operate.