Micro Biz News ►
First Microbusiness Dispensary
Opens to the Public
A Missouri Cannabis Breakthrough by Samantha Blum, contributing writer
June was a turning point for Missouri’ s cannabis landscape, one for the record books. The very first microbusiness dispensary opened to the public, welcoming the community into a space built from the ground up with heart, vision, and local pride.
On June 12, 816 Dispensary in Platte City made history. Its soft opening marked the beginning of a family-owned dispensary and signaled a new chapter for Missouri’ s entire microbusiness program. Excited customers lined up outside hours before the doors opened, ready to support this small business owner who’ s deeply rooted in the community.
As a fellow micro licensee, I had the honor of being the first microbusiness owner to purchase cannabis from another micro licensee as a customer. On opening day, I walked into 816 Dispensary. I bought Rainbow Cake and Blue Dream— two beautifully cultivated strains by Blüme Cannabis, the first micro cultivator in Missouri to have a product on a microbusiness dispensary shelf. It was a significant moment, not just for me but for all of us building toward something bigger.
A Dispensary Built with Intention
The 816 Dispensary management team( from left to right) Summer Poe, administration; Eve Zimmerman, assistant manager; Josh Jackson, assistant manager, and owner, Jimi Poe.
( Photo by Clayton Stallings)
816 Dispensary is not just a shop— it’ s a statement. From the moment you step through the door, you’ re greeted not just by the staff but by the spirit of Kansas City, family, and resilience. The entry area is thoughtfully designed to welcome you into the experience with a bold, glowing 816 sign, a rich royal purple velvet couch perfect for selfies, and warm staff members who immediately make you feel like part of something bigger.
10 July 2025
Beyond that cozy entry space, the sales floor becomes even more meaningful. One wall is home to a stunning mural created by an incredibly talented local artist who’ s part of the 816 family. The mural is a love letter to Kansas City, filled with landmarks that proudly represent the city they call home. Every detail tells a story and was done intentionally— from the heart, for the community.
At the entry, where you check in, sits something quite powerful: a framed copy of owner Jimi Poe’ s former inmate ID card, displayed alongside his personal story. It’ s more than a conversation piece— it’ s a testament to second chances, full-circle transformation, and the deeper“ why” behind the dispensary. For Poe, this space is more than a business. It’ s a chance to give back, to lead with love, and to show what’ s possible when people are supported, not judged. The journey from incarceration to ownership is not only rare— it’ s revolutionary!
That spirit of purpose radiates throughout the space. It’ s in how the team works together, how they greet customers, and how they’ ve infused their boutique-style shop with thoughtful touches everywhere you look. Even its 816-branded apparel reflects its pride, carrying bold, symbolic designs that honor Kansas City’ s culture and the story behind the brand.
Jimi Poe( on left) with containers of Missouri’ s FIRST micro cannabis license flower picked up from Blüme by the state’ s largest licensed cannabis transport, Big Time Logistics who is also providing discounted delivery rates to help the micro industry get rolling.
( Photo by Clayton Stallings)
The customer reviews say it best:
“ Customer service was amazing … I even got to chat with the owner and cultivator. This place is family-owned and high-quality.” ~ Luis G.
“ It’ s well put together … better than expected and full of local love.” ~ Jacob K.
“ It feels like home. You can feel their heart in the space.” ~ Jaime W.
During the 816 Dispensary soft opening on June 12, it completed 92 transactions— a significant achievement for a grassroots team just starting. There was a buzz in the air, full of excitement, nervous energy, and deep community support. Even as the staff worked through
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