From The Editor
Bill Cromwell , Publisher , Editor-in-Chief
6 February 2021
73,929 Patients for 18 Open Dispensaries
On January 15 , Governor Parson and the Missouri
Department of Health and Senior Services ( DHSS ) announced the activation of Phase 1B - Tier 1 for COVID-19 vaccinations in Missouri . As part of this announcement , the state prioritizes getting the vaccine to “ all remaining patient-facing healthcare providers .”
According to DHSS , this announcement will allow patient-facing medical marijuana dispensary staff to be eligible for the vaccine immediately . For those interested , details about how to access vaccinations can be found at www . MOStopsCovid . com .
“ As we travel around the state visiting facilities , we just want to say how proud we are that this industry is pulling out all the stops to ensure the health and safety of patients ,” said MoCann Trade . “ At each facility , we see masks being worn , social distancing being practiced , and a safe and welcoming environment for patients , many with underlying health conditions , being established . Please continue to be leaders in your community as vaccinations become available .”
As of January 11 , the DHSS reports that 73,929 patients have been approved for Missouri medical cannabis cards . This number far exceeds original predictions for patient numbers . According to the doctors that we surveyed to date , there remains a continuous stream of patients seeking medical cards .
Additionally , 25 dispensaries have been approved for operation , and roughly 18 open for business now , with the remainder planning to open within the next 30-60 days . More dispensaries will be approved to operate this month as the race to open a total of 192 dispensaries for business continues . It ’ s widely reported that Missouri has moved through the licensing process for approving businesses and opening faster than any other state .
If you have yet to visit a dispensary , you are going to be quite amazed . These are not your proverbial “ Pot Shop ’ s ;” but instead hi-tech facilities that include everything from state-of-the-art security , magnificent interior design , tablet and large electronic menu boards , awesome display cases and streamlined checkout procedures .
What you don ’ t see are the hi-tech and state-of-the-art cultivation , manufacturing , and testing labs that make it possible to fill those dispensary shelves with product / medicine . These businesses have spent millions to build and operate their businesses , ultimately providing you with the best possible medicines found anywhere in the county .
We salute all the cannabis industry leaders here in Missouri . You have thus far provided top-shelf cannabis as an alternative medicine to all the patients seeking it . This year , 2021 , promises to be a very exciting year for those within the industry and the consumers anxious to legally enter a medical cannabis dispensary .
“ What is a Weed ? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered .” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Missouri ’ s First Educational Medical Cannabis Magazine Published Monthly by Native Kansas City , MO , Advocates , Publishers and Writers . A True Missouri Born Grassroots Effort to Educate and Inform Patients , and to Provide Businesses within The Missouri Cannabis Industry an Economical Forum to Tell Their Story . We hope you join and enjoy “ The Evolution .”
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( See Our Distribution Map on page 61 ) MANAGING EDITOR , VP OF OPERATIONS : Victoria Cromwell DIRECTOR MARKETING and EDITORIAL DEVELOPMENT : Clayton Stallings CREATIVE DESIGNER , GRAPHIC ARTS : Bill Cromwell PHOTOGRAPHY : Chris Smith and Clayton Stallings
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