Would you like to apply for a microbusiness dispensary license in Missouri? The 3rd and final application round opens in March 2025!

In other words, now is the time to prepare your application for this 3rd round opportunity. The review of third-round applications begins in May 2025. As a result, you could soon be running your microbusiness dispensary in Missouri. Enter this $1 billion+ cannabis market at the ground level! 

Microbusiness Dispensary License in Missouri

Our licensing guide below provides an overview of how to win a microbusiness dispensary license in Missouri. Firstly, we detail approved activities and the number of licenses available, and then the relevant regulations, application requirements, fees, and the application process.

Approved Activities for Marijuana Microbusiness Dispensary License in Missouri

Definition of Microbusiness Dispensary Facility

Essentially, a microbusiness dispensary licensee is a small business operating on a smaller scale than medical or comprehensive licenses. The Division of Cannabis Regulation, within the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), authorizes Missouri microbusiness dispensary licensees to engage in dispensing marijuana products for medical and adult use.

The microbusiness license provides a pathway to facility ownership for individuals who might not otherwise have had access. Therefore, majority owner(s) must meet certain eligibility requirements. Also for that reason, this license must operate on a small scale.

Towards that purpose, a microbusiness dispensary licensee may only purchase marijuana products from other microbusinesses. It cannot transfer marijuana products to or from a medical or comprehensive marijuana business facility.

What Does a Microbusiness Dispensary Facility License Allow You To Do?

Despite its limitations, a Missouri microbusiness dispensary license allows a wide range of activities. It authorizes marijuana sale on-site, as well as delivery to any address as directed by the consumer, qualifying patient, or caregiver (in person, by phone, or via the Internet). Additionally, the licensee may transfer marijuana, and its products, to a microbusiness wholesale facility, as well as to a marijuana testing facility.

The DCR authorizes the microbusiness retail store licensee to conduct the following with marijuana (including seeds, clones, marijuana-infused products, and paraphernalia):

• Acquire,
• Process (includes pre-rolls),
• Store (on-site or off-site),
• Sell (retail)
• Transport to or from, and
• Deliver.

Therefore, this limited license still offers much flexibility. It is also quite lucrative, in that only a few microbusiness marijuana retail licenses will be issued. Let’s take a look at this opportunity next.

Number of Missouri Cannabis Microbusiness Dispensary Licenses Available

The DCR will issue two (2) microbusiness dispensary licenses in each of the eight (8) congressional districts. Missouri microbusiness dispensary licenses have eligibility restrictions for applying. Be sure to examine the congressional district locations and other qualifications for eligibility. If you’re uncertain of your eligibility qualifications, contact our cannabis consultants at Quantum 9.

Next, let’s take a brief look at the current regulations.

Relevant Regulations for Missouri Marijuana Microbusiness Dispensary Facility Licenses

The DCR regulates cannabis in Missouri. Firstly, familiarize yourself with the laws and rules of its cannabis program:

Secondly, read the excellent license application guidance provided by the DCR. Regularly review the Department’s website. This is the agency that reviews the microbusiness dispensary applications. It is the agency that then selects the applicants submitted into the random lottery to award licenses.

Now, let’s review the application requirements. It requires careful document planning, but your submission is made simpler through an online portal provided by the DCR.

Application Requirements for Missouri Cannabis Microbusiness Dispensary Facility License

For a microbusiness facility license, applicants must be majority owned by individuals who each meet at least one of several qualifications outlined in the Missouri Constitution, such as a net worth less than $250,000 or veterans with a service-connected disability.

Basically, you must submit a complete application along with the $1500 application fee during the application period for lottery consideration. In your application, you will supply facility location information and attestation that the proposed location complies with all location requirements. Additionally, you will detail majority ownership percentages of both financial interest and voting interest.

Learn more below about further documentation requirements, but first, let’s discuss the application and license costs for a Missouri microbusiness dispensary license.

Fees and License Costs

Missouri cannabis microbusiness dispensary facility application fees are due upon application submission to the DCR. The microbusiness application fee is currently $1,500. If your application is denied, the Department will refund the application fee if it determines that you met the criteria to apply and have no other legal issues related to denial.

If your license is granted, the first annual fee will be due within thirty (30) days after issue. Your license will be valid for three years, but the fee is due annually. Upon the third year, you must apply for license renewal at least 90 days before expiration. You’ll receive a notice from the online registry portal when renewal applications and associated fees are due.

Next, let’s take a look at how to apply.

How to Apply for a Microbusiness Dispensary Facility License in Missouri

Above all, applying for a Missouri microbusiness dispensary license involves a structured and detailed process. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process effectively.

Step 1. Verify Eligibility Requirements

State law does not require that you be a resident of Missouri. However, ensure that your business structure, ownership, and location align with the eligibility requirements for a microbusiness dispensary license in Missouri. Crucially significant, you must submit documentation in your application demonstrating the eligibility criteria for the majority ownership individuals for your microbusiness dispensary.

Step 2. Submit Eligibility Application

Once you’ve determined your eligibility and license type, you must prepare your application, which you will submit through the DCR’s online portal.

Furthermore, the DCR requires the following documentation:

• visual representation of ownership structure
• copies of local government requirements
• proposed blueprints for the entire facility featuring all rooms and areas clearly labeled:
  • purpose and square footage
  • camera locations
  • limited access areas
  • permissions
• signed attestations

By all means, create plans that comply with all the laws and regulations for Missouri microbusiness dispensary facilities. If your plans, documentation, and attestations fail to meet the requirements, you will not be entered into the lottery.

Notwithstanding, if you’d like help with your license application, schedule a call with our Missouri cannabis business consultants to learn how we can help you win a license. We will make the process simple and clear so that you have the best chance of entering the lottery.

Step 3. Enter the Lottery

Most importantly, the DCR will enter verified and approved applications into the lottery after its review in May 2025.

If your application passes the review, the DCR will enter it into the lottery system. The lottery will randomly select applicants who will be conditionally awarded licenses. Above all, ensure you’ve met all essential criteria to be reviewed for submission into the lottery!

Step 4. Prepare for Final Approval

Furthermore, if selected, prepare to finalize your business operations, including securing financing, leases, and construction or renovations (if necessary), so that you are ready to enter the market as soon as you are awarded from the lottery.

Closing Remarks

Once you’ve followed the steps outlined above, ensuring compliance with all DCR requirements, you’ll have set up your Missouri microbusiness dispensary facility for success.

To conclude, engage our experienced cannabis consultants at Quantum 9 for more detailed guidance and assistance. Let us help you win a Missouri marijuana microbusiness dispensary license. 

Help serve the needs of Missouri cannabis patients and consumers, and put yourself in this $1 billion+ cannabis market at the ground level. We’ll guide you to success with a microbusiness dispensary facility in Missouri!