Missouri Marijuana Laws
Missouri marijuana laws are some of the most relaxed in the whole of the United States, with both recreational and medical marijuana legalized in Missouri in recent years. This guide will cover all you need to know about cannabis laws in Missouri, including information regarding Missouri medical marijuana card rules and marijuana offenses.
Is Marijuana Legal in Missouri?
Yes, cannabis is legal in Missouri for both recreational and medical purposes. This makes Missouri one of the most lenient states in terms of its marijuana laws. It’s possible to buy and use marijuana in specific amounts, according to Missouri cannabis law, giving both recreational users and those in need of medical marijuana the chance to enjoy the effects and benefits of this drug.
Is Medical Marijuana Legal?
Yes, medical usage of cannabis is legal in the state of Missouri. Missouri medical marijuana laws were first talked about in the 2010s, and CBD oil was legalized in 2014 for medical usages, like the treatment of seizures. Then, in 2018, medical cannabis was officially legalized after a state-wide vote saw more than 66% of residents approve of the legalization.
In Missouri, those who wish to use medical cannabis must obtain a Missouri medical marijuana card, which requires a written certification from a licensed medical marijuana doctor confirming that the patient has a qualifying condition.
Is Recreational Marijuana Legal?
As well as having Missouri medical cannabis laws, this state also has laws in place to allow for the recreational usage of cannabis. It was in August of 2022 that the Secretary of State, Jay Ashcroft, announced that a new initiative for legalizing recreational cannabis use was set to feature on the November ballot. Voters approved this initiative and recreational usage and possession of cannabis became legal in Missouri from December 2022 onward.
The History of Marijuana Laws in Missouri
Just like the rest of the United States, Missouri outlawed the use, sale, and possession of cannabis for a long time through the 20th century, but things started to change in the new millennium. In 2004, the city of Columbia led the way, revealing a ballot to decriminalize cannabis possession of up to 35 grams in the city. This ballot passed, along with a separate ballot to allow for the usage of medical cannabis with a doctor’s recommendation.
Other cities, like Springfield and St. Louis, also brought in their own initiatives in the 2010s, and in 2014, Senate Bill 491 allowed for the partial decriminalization of cannabis, getting rid of any jail sentences for first-time offenders caught in possession of 10g of cannabis or less. The bill also reduced other penalties connected to cannabis activities like sale and cultivation. The bill passed the House and the Senate with large majorities but didn’t come into effect until 2017.
In 2018, the state of Missouri held a vote to legalize the medical use of cannabis, with 66% of voters agreeing. This new measure allows patients with qualifying conditions to not only buy and use cannabis but also to grow some of their own plants (up to a total of six) in their own homes. The first sales of medical marijuana then took place in 2020, with close to 200 licensed dispensaries set up around the state.
2022 brought an even bigger change with a new initiative to legalize cannabis for recreational use. This ballot passed narrowly, with possession of cannabis for anyone aged 21+ becoming legal in Missouri in December of 2022. The first official sales took place just a couple of months later, in February of 2023.
Missouri Marijuana Laws
Next, we’ll look at how Missouri marijuana laws treat typical marijuana-related activities and offenses like possession, purchase, and sale.
Possession & Purchase
It’s legal to possess up to 3 oz of marijuana in the state of Missouri, and there are no penalties or fines for having this amount of cannabis on your person. However, possession of larger items can be charged as a misdemeanor or even a felony in the highest cases and may result in a prison sentence and large fines.
How Much Can I Buy and Possess?
In Missouri, it’s possible for any adult (aged 21+) to buy up to 3 oz of marijuana at a time.
Where Can I Obtain Cannabis?
You can buy cannabis from any of the many dispensaries located around the state. Missouri has a long list of cannabis dispensaries to choose from, especially in and around big cities.
Who Can Legally Purchase Cannabis in Missouri?
Anyone aged 21 and above can buy cannabis in the state of Missouri. In addition, qualifying medical patients with medical marijuana cards may be able to purchase even more.
Home Cultivation
Home cultivation of marijuana plants is legal in Missouri. Any adult can grow up to six flowering plants, six nonflowering plants, and six clones, provided they pay a $100 fee for the privilege.
Reciprocity
There is no reciprocity between Missouri and other states in terms of medical or recreational marijuana at this time.
Consumption
Missouri marijuana laws allow any adult to consume cannabis for both recreational and medical purposes.
Where Can I Safely Consume Cannabis?
Missouri’s cannabis laws state that all cannabis consumption should be carried out in private residences. It’s not legal to smoke or use weed in public places, like on the sidewalk or in a park.
Qualifying Patients
In order to apply for the Missouri Medical Marijuana program, patients will need to have a qualifying condition and will require some form of confirmation from their doctor. The full list of qualifying conditions is as follows:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Migraines
- Any chronic medical condition that causes chronic pain or spasms
- MS
- Parkinson’s
- Tourette’s
- Debilitating psychiatric disorders
- Hepatitis C
- ALS
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Huntington’s disease
- Autism
- Neuropathies
- Sickle cell anemia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cachexia
- Other chronic conditions
Transportation
Missouri state law allows you to transport up to 3 oz of cannabis at a time.
Driving
Driving after or while using marijuana is illegal in Missouri and can be punished with jail time and fines.
Expungement
Due to recent changes in marijuana laws in the state of Missouri, the state has begun the process of expungement for residents with non-violent marijuana cases on their criminal record. Thousands of expungements have already taken place.
How to Obtain a Medical Card?
Getting a Missouri medical marijuana card is easily done online. You can apply via the Missouri state website, and you’ll need to fill in some forms and file a physician certification.
Overall, Missouri is one of the more lenient states in terms of marijuana laws, allowing both recreational and medical usage for all of its citizens.
