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Veterans and Micro License Opportunities
by Todd Scattini , contributing writer
I am proud of my service in the U . S . Military . My time in uniform is a defining part of who I am ; many veterans I have spoken to feel the same way . I feel a similar pride to be part of the emerging cannabis industry and conversation about the legalization of cannabis for medical and adult use in Missouri , Kansas , Texas , and anywhere cannabis prohibition prevents veterans from accessing cannabis as an option to treat the wounds of war , both visible and invisible . Repeatedly , I have seen the benefit of medicinal cannabis and its impacts on veterans ’ lives . Moreover , I ’ ve seen the leadership and skills veterans bring to the cannabis workforce .
Veterans and other under-represented and marginalized people now have a unique opportunity to own licenses to operate a legal cannabis microbusiness in Missouri . The name of the license type may make it sound small , but the opportunity is a major one — to operate a business , either a “ microbusiness dispensary ” or a “ microbusiness wholesale license ” ( cultivation and manufacturing combined ).
Disabled veterans qualify for micro licenses , which are available through a competitive lottery basis beginning June 6 , with the release of the new rules and application portal . Micro License applications will be accepted from July 27 – August 10 , 2023 .
The state ’ s Department of Health and Senior Services ( DHSS ) will issue 144 licenses over the next year and a half in three tranches . Two-thirds of the micro licenses will be wholesale licenses , and one-third will be dispensary licenses . Micro licenses will be spread equally across Missouri with four wholesalers and two dispensaries awarded per voting district in this initial licensing round — equaling 48 new licenses awarded .
These new micro licenses create a new competitive market to operate on more of a “ craft ” level , as micro licensees can only buy and sell among the pool of other micro license holders across the state .
“ Research licenses ” are also available , which makes Missouri an ideal location for cannabis-related research and development centered on everything from the vast array of technology that powers the cannabis industry , to the veteran population and their experiences with cannabis medicine use , and much more . For this article , we will focus solely on micro licenses .
Here ’ s what you need to know ( per DHSS guidelines ):
A microbusiness is a marijuana facility license issued only to eligible individuals and entities . These licenses are essentially small businesses designed to allow marginalized or under-represented individuals to participate in the legal marijuana market .
There are two types of microbusiness licenses available :
1 . Microbusiness dispensary licenses . A microbusiness dispensary facility is licensed to engage in the process of dispensing marijuana products for medical or adult use .
2 . Microbusiness wholesale licenses . A microbusiness wholesale facility is licensed to engage in the process of cultivating and manufacturing marijuana products for medical or adult use . If cultivating , a microbusiness wholesale facility may cultivate up to 250 flowering plants at any given time .
Applicants must be majority-owned and operated by individuals who each meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements :
● Have a net worth of less than $ 250,000 and have had an income below 250 % of the federal poverty level .
● Have a valid service-connected disability card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or successor agency .
● Be a person who has been , or a person whose parent , guardian or spouse has been arrested for , prosecuted for , or convicted of a non-violent marijuana offense , except for a conviction involving provision of marijuana to a minor , or a conviction of driving under the influence of marijuana . The arrest , charge , or conviction must have occurred at least one year before the effective date of this section ; or
● Reside in a ZIP code or census tract area where : > 30 % of the population lives below the federal poverty level ; or the rate of unemployment is > 50 % of the state average rate of unemployment ; or the historic rate of incarceration for marijuana-related offenses is > 50 % than the rate for the entire state ; or Graduated from a school district that was unaccredited .
● Applicants may claim more than one eligibility requirement on their application ; however , it is not required .
Prospective licensees will need capital and access to more capital . Although the application fee is a meager $ 1,500 and refundable if you ’ re not selected in the lottery , the most potentially successful licensees will be applying money toward consultants who can help them navigate the daunting cannabis application process and bring insight and experience to your team on an as-needed basis . Potential licensees will likely spend money on property , and they must have permission in the form of an LOI from which to run a cannabis business . A qualified and experienced consulting firm can help you identify and build a team , develop your plan , bring critical industry
20 JUNE 2023