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The Countdown is ON Microbusinesses Blaze a Trail as October 2 Looms
The next few months are crucial as more Round 1 licensees strive for commencement.
by Samantha Blum, contributing writer
The Missouri microbusiness cannabis industry is undeniably gaining ground, proving to be more than just a promising concept. As the critical October 2, 2025, deadline for Round 1 micro licensees rapidly approaches— now just two short months away— the urgency is palpable, and the progress is truly inspiring.
This movement is alive and thriving, with micro cultivators and dispensaries steadily changing the narrative of what’ s possible in the cannabis space. More commencement requests are now filed, including those from Round 1 wholesalers like Strainworx, Bud Wizard, and Levity Cannabis Company. Additionally, three to four more micro licensees are requesting commencement, and Round 1 wholesaler Urban Farms plans to submit its request at the beginning of August. These businesses and others are working diligently to stay compliant, as failure to do so could result in losing their licenses.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services( DHSS) mandates that all microbusinesses must become operational( commenced) within two years of their license issuance or file for a variance with substantial proof of progress. For Round 1, the deadline is October 2, 2025. For Round 2, licensees have until July 24, 2026. Though Round 3 has not been scheduled, these same timeline rules will apply, underscoring the importance of meeting these milestones for all future licensees. For Round 1 businesses, these next two months are crucial— they must either be fully commenced or have a variance request approved, providing proof of nearing completion.
816 Dispensary: A Month of Milestones and a Grand Celebration
Leading the charge and demonstrating the power of the microbusiness model is 816 Dispensary, Missouri’ s first micro dispensary to open its doors to the public. Having been operational for just over a month as of July 12, Jimi Poe and his team have achieved remarkable growth since their June 12 soft launch. Initially, 816 had seven strains of flower, which has expanded to nine, including popular customer favorites like Rainbow Cake and Blue Dream. The new micro dispensary surpassed an incredible 1,200 transactions and has added two new pre-rolls to its menu.
Early reviews echo the sentiment felt by many walking into the space: 816 Dispensary is more than just a place to buy cannabis; it’ s a reflection of heart, community, and intention.“ This place is amazing, where do I start?”“ First of, it’ s a small local owned and operated dispo, the products are amazing … Their budtenders are exceptionally knowledgeable … love the lil boutique,” raves one Leafly reviewer. Another proclaims,“ Best Dispensary Around! Hands Down! Great Staff and Product!”
10 August 2025
To celebrate its success and the growing micro-community, 816 Dispensary will host a Grand Opening Celebration on August 16 – 816 Day! This will be a momentous occasion for the community, a powerful reminder of what’ s possible when microbusinesses are supported and operational. You can expect live music, a DJ, local food trucks, vendor booths featuring top cannabis brands, giveaways, swag bags, and special in-store deals. In addition, there will be educational opportunities to learn about products and explore the full lineup, including all nine strains, new pre-rolls, the brands currently on the shelves, and those coming soon.
The Microbusiness Movement: A Path to Equity and Opportunity
Beyond 816 Dispensary, the state continues to see progress with microbusinesses. The recent update to the approved-to-operate( ATO) microbusinesses list signifies another vital step in building Missouri’ s grassroots cannabis industry. Currently, two micro dispensaries have ATO status: 816 Dispensary, which actively serves the public, and Kush21 Dispensary. Five micro wholesale licensees have also commenced: Blüme Cannabis, Smugglers Den LLC, and Ozark Mountain Gypsy LLC( OMG) from Round 1, and LL Wirtz LLC and Monsta Farms from Round 2, all with plants actively growing.
The Missouri microbusiness program fosters equity, offers second chances, and empowers family-owned entrepreneurship. Licenses are issued through a lottery system within designated rounds, striving for a fair opportunity for all eligible individuals.
As manufacturers prepare for commencement, infused products like vapes and gummies are on the horizon, promising even more variety for consumers. Keep an eye out for drop dates and product announcements.
The next few months are crucial as more Round 1 licensees strive for commencement before their October 2 deadline. The countdown is truly on, and the vibrancy of the micro industry is undeniable.
Stay tuned for next month’ s issue with more exciting microbusiness updates.
Samantha Blum is the Chairwoman of the Missouri Microbusiness Association( MMBA) and the Founder of Bud Wizard, a round one microbusiness winner, a women-owned cannabis cultivation facility specializing in indoor aeroponic cultivation. Her dedication to craft cannabis, sustainability, and entrepreneurial-driven growth continues to shape the evolving landscape of the state’ s cannabis industry.