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Small Batch, Big Dreams
816 Dispensary Ushers in a New Era for Missouri Microbusinesses by Samantha Blum, contributing writer
Something special is happening in Platte City, MO. This June, 816 Dispensary will open its doors as the first dispensary launched under Missouri’ s microbusiness program. It’ s more than just a store— it’ s a milestone. It marks a shift in how we, as a state, think about cannabis, community, and conscious consumption.
After months of cultivators working tirelessly to bring their facilities online, it’ s finally time for the flower to find its way to shelves— and not just any shelves— local, independently owned, small-batch shelves. This moment has been hard-earned by passionate entrepreneurs navigating regulation, construction, compliance, and cultivation all at once. Now, it’ s time for the community to step in and do its part by showing up, supporting local, and buying small.
A Boutique Experience, Right in Platte City
816 Dispensary is bringing something fresh to Platte City— a laid-back, boutique-style cannabis shop where you can take your time, explore the shelves, and enjoy the experience. From custom KC murals and local sports memorabilia to 816-branded gear and a fully stocked headshop, this space is more than a dispensary— a celebration of Kansas City culture. Think chill vibes, community pride, and a whole lot of personality.
Set to softly open in mid-June( keep an eye on its socials @ 816dispensary for the official date), the shop will be tentatively open daily from 10 a. m. to 8 p. m., with extended hours to come as more products hit the shelves. Shoppers can sign up for text and email updates, rack loyalty rewards, and choose between deli-style service or prepackaged eighths and halves.
Whether you’ re there for a quick pick-up or to browse around and soak in the atmosphere, one thing’ s certain— it has local covered.
“ Date night kits” are coming soon— a fun, curated idea that pairs a pre-roll with other thoughtful items. While unavailable at launch, it’ s one of many creative offerings in the works as the team settles in and gets to know their community.
Local Flower First: What’ s on the Shelf
816 Dispensary’ s shelves will first feature cannabis from Blüme, another Missouri-based microbusiness committed to the craft. Blüme’ s small-batch approach emphasizes quality over quantity. Its plants are grown in coco-filled fabric pots, carefully hand-watered, and hand-trimmed. Expect a strong opening lineup: nine strains of flower and pre-rolls, developed through meticulous phenotype selection and a commitment to excellence.
Following closely behind is Ozark Mountain Gypsy, a cultivator that brings soul and nature together in every batch. With plants in flower and product ready for shelves by the end of June, its flower is grown in nutrient-rich soil and finished in five-gallon pots using a Dosatron drip system. Its product line will include eighths, quarters, half ounces, and pre-rolls.
Ozark Mountain Gypsy offers a flavor-forward, earthy cannabis experience with roots in both Missouri soil and global genetics.
A Community Worth Supporting
What makes a dispensary like 816 truly special isn’ t just the product— it’ s the people behind it. When you shop locally, you’ re supporting small business owners who are invested in their communities. You’ re helping real families achieve their dreams and reinvesting in the neighborhoods we all share.
Missouri’ s cannabis landscape has room for everyone, and microbusinesses bring a fresh, grassroots energy to the mix. They provide a chance to try something new, support up-and-coming brands, and experience cannabis grown and sold with genuine local pride.
Mark the Date
816 Dispensary is making it official with a grand opening celebration on August 16— yep, 8 / 16 Day! It’ s more than just a clever date; it’ s a celebration of local roots, community pride, and the growth of Missouri’ s microbusiness movement. Expect a big ribbon-cutting moment that brings the community together and shines a spotlight on what it means to build something meaningful from the ground up. This milestone reflects how far we’ ve come— and where we’ re headed.
This summer, Missouri’ s microbusiness community hits the shelves. Let’ s show up, shop local, and light the way for a thriving, inclusive cannabis industry— one eighth at a time.
Stay Connected
Keep an eye on 816 Dispensary’ s social pages for updates, product launches, and event details: Instagram: @ 816dispensary, Facebook: @ 816Dispensary
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.
10 June 2025