The numbers are in after the First Anniversary of Missouri ’ s first Adult Use Cannabis sale on February 3 , 2023 . The state reports first-year sales of over $ 1.4 Billion through February 2024 . Additionally , the tax revenues generated from these sales helped fund more than 100,000 expungements from Missourians ’ records for past nonviolent cannabis offenses , including one of our own contributing writers .
As of the end of last month , the state approved 19,029 Agent IDs for individuals to work within Missouri ’ s legal cannabis industry . One month before the November 2022 Adult Use legalization vote , there were only 9,838 jobs . Now , in 2024 , the job numbers and sales records continue to grow monthly , securing Missouri ’ s place as one of the nation ’ s most successful legalization programs .
While the state ’ s newest industry is strong , refining operational procedures and rules is ever-evolving . That includes state rules for the packaging and labeling of products sold at dispensaries .
Consumers will begin seeing new packaging and labels on products now through May 1 . In August 2023 , the Division of Cannabis Regulation ( DCR ) released new “ Packaging and Labeling ” rules stating as follows , “ The DCR has allowed a grace period for licensees to use all existing final marijuana products and packaging until May 1 , 2024 . This grace period includes the testing label as DCR will allow licensees to continue to use their current stock of packaging ….” On February 5 , 2024 , the DCR announced its variances to existing labeling requirements to include “ effects ” rather than the words Sativa or Indica .
The DCR ’ s Packaging and Labeling FAQs asked this question regarding new labeling rules . What is allowed on packaging related to “ text indicating side effects and behavioral effects of usage ” outlined in 19 rule CSR 100-1.120 ( 1 )( B ) 5 . C ?
The text must communicate clearly the side effects and behavioral effects and may not be a slogan or other statement of aspirational or ambiguous meaning . For example , a licensee may use text such as “ sleepy ,” “ relaxed ,” or “ hungry ” to indicate the side effects and behavioral effects of using the marijuana product . Designating product as sativa , hybrid , or indica does not provide a description of side effects and behavioral effects of usage . Such information may be included in advertising or promotion material .
Additionally , the newest rule ( variance ) mandates marijuana product labels to clearly list all active and additional ingredients without using general terms like “ natural flavors ” or “ botanically derived terpenes .” This variance does not apply to marijuana-infused products that are to be vaporized or smoked ( inhaled products ).
This means that you will no longer see Sativa or Indica on packaging labels . Instead , labels will include terms like euphoric , focused , sleepy , relaxed , couch-locked , or munchies . Calling them “ side effects ” may be off a bit . Side effects for me are more like “ bad or adverse reactions ” rather than what marijuana does , which is the “ effects or possible aids ” of using a particular product .
As we understand it , much of the ( many ) new labeling rules are a result of Missouri-grown cannabis being neither truly Sativa nor Indica but instead a Hybrid , which is an entirely different story and above my pay grade . So , we will include an article by a professional grower in our April issue to discuss this topic to add some clarity . Stay tuned .
Enjoy March and a safe St . Patrick ’ s day !
6 March 2024
From
Bill Cromwell , Publisher
TheEditor
, Editor-in-Chief
What ’ s on the Label ?
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 Share Their Story . We hope you join and enjoy “ The EVOLUTION .” Since 2019
PUBLISHER , EDITOR-IN-CHIEF : Bill Cromwell News , Articles , Advertisement , & All Requests Should Email to : Bill . C @ TheEvolutionMag . com Corporate Office 816.886.9017 Kansas City , MO Mail to : P . O . Box 485 , Grain Valley , MO 64029
MANAGING EDITOR , VP OF OPERATIONS : Victoria Cromwell DIRECTOR MARKETING and EDITORIAL DEVELOPMENT : Clayton Stallings CREATIVE DESIGNER , GRAPHIC ARTS and EDITORIAL : Bill Cromwell PHOTOGRAPHY : Clayton Stallings , and guests photographers
Our Team of Expert Writers and Cannabis Industry Leaders
● Danielle Buntyon ― Elevated Learning
● Amber Crouch ― Dispensary Product Reviews and News
● Dana Cunningham — Cooking with CBD and THC
● Dolores Halbin , RN — Patient Advocate and Awareness
● Peter Kershaw — Health and Safety Columnist
● Leah Maurer — Health , Awareness , Ask Leah Columnist
● Dr . Poppa , D . O ., M . B . A . ― Medical Health News
● Jay Richardson ― Patient Features
● Rocco Scarcello ― Educational
● Todd Scattini ― Veterans News
● Monthly Guest Writers — Cannabis News & Feature Stories
The EVOLUTION TM Magazine offers a monthly print magazine that is distributed throughout western Missouri , select St . Louis locations , eastern Kansas and the Lake of the Ozarks region . Free printed copies are found at nearly 360 locations including CBD stores , MMJ Dispensaries , Garden and Grow Supply Stores , doctors offices , restaurants , sports bars , resorts , and many other select locations . In addition , the monthly magazine is offered online in an inter-active E-magazine at www . TheEvolutionMag . com .
NOTICE : The publisher / editor reserves the right to reject whatever material does not fit with the vision or intent of this publication . Advertising is accepted at the discretion of the publisher and do not imply endorsement , nor are we responsible for the products or services advertised . The contributing writers , staff or owners of THE EVOLUTION Magazine LLC cannot be held liable for hardship or losses incurred due to any content associated within this publication or websites . Written views , advertisements and information expressed in this publication belong to the writers or advertisers and do not reflect the sentiments or editorial opinion of the publisher or staff . We cannot be held responsible for ; views , opinions , changes to scheduling , prices , rates or the occasional typographical errors .
ADVERTISEMENT NOTICE : Advertisers have the right to terminate promotions or special offers / coupons , change rates or fees without notice . All listed guides , rates , fees and information herein are non-binding reference material only . Always check with listed businesses or advertisers for its latest updates , current prices and / or special offers .
FDA Disclaimer : Any statements / claims made within this magazine have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration . No articles , products or Ads featured within these pages are intended to diagnose , treat , cure , prevent any disease , ailment or disorder . Medical decisions should not be made based on advertisements within these pages . Consult a physician on the benefits and risks of particular medical marijuana products . Products mentioned within for use by adults age 21 and older . Keep such products out of reach of children . The information within is a sharing of knowledge and information based on the writers research , opinions and / or educated experience .
© 2019 – 2024 The EVOLUTION TM Magazine . All Rights Proprietary and Conceptual Designs Reserved . Reproduction of any part of this publication ’ s contents is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Publisher or Managing Editor .