When Missouri residents voted to legalize medicinal cannabis in November 2018, the state put together the Medical Marijuana Regulatory Program, similar to other programs throughout the United States. With that said, just because one state legalizes cannabis does not mean local laws follow those of other green-friendly states.
On the contrary, Missouri cannabis regulations differ from several states, including the neighboring states of Arkansas, Illinois and Oklahoma. For this reason, it can be useful to familiarize yourself with the laws in your area. If you live in Missouri, take a moment to read about some of the things you can and cannot do when it comes to participating in the new medicinal cannabis program.
What You Can Do
Although cannabis is now legal for qualifying conditions, that does not mean that you can smoke as much as you want wherever you want. Here are some consumption activities that you can do if you are a registered patient under the Medical Marijuana Regulatory Program.
Purchase Cannabis in Moderation
You can purchase cannabis if you qualify for the state’s medicinal program, but there are limits. According to the law, physicians may certify qualifying patients for “up to four ounces of dried, unprocessed marijuana, or its equivalent, in a 30-day period.”
Purchase Flower
By definition, flower products are “unprocessed marijuana” because they are directly from the cannabis plant. As such, patients may purchase and consume up to the permitted amount of flower products based on Missouri medical cannabis laws.
Purchase Concentrates
In some states, flower cannabis is legal, but concentrates remain a felony. In Missouri, the state uses Missouri Marijuana Equivalency Units (MMEs) to determine whether a product follows the law. As long as concentrates meet MME requirements, patients may purchase them.
What You Cannot Do
Purchase Unlimited Amounts of Cannabis
After purchasing the maximum amount of permitted MMEs in a month, patients must wait before purchasing additional cannabis. Because the state’s system records data for every purchase, dispensary staff will know if you have already met the monthly limit.
Consume While Driving or in Public
You may consume in the privacy of your own home, but that is not the case after you go outside. Public environments are off-limits for consumption, including parks and swimming pools. Missouri cannabis regulations also prohibit driving while under the influence of cannabis.
Use Out-of-State Cards
In some states, the law permits residents to use valid out-of-state identification cards for other cannabis programs. Specific reciprocity laws or legislative clauses make doing so possible. However, this is not the case in Missouri. Here, all patients must have a Missouri-issued card.
Times are definitely changing, but legal challenges can still occur. Even with the legalization of medicinal use, Missourians can face a number of serious penalties if their cannabis-consuming activities fall outside of limitations. With this in mind, understanding Missouri medical cannabis laws can be beneficial for avoiding unnecessary problems. To make the most out of your cannabis wellness experience, use this information to help you stay informed of this ever-changing industry.