From
Editor
We all know the saying,“ April showers bring May flowers.” Well, for the emerging Missouri microbusiness cannabis industry, flowers are indeed preparing to bloom. Perhaps April showers had less to do with the emerging blossoms than the dedication to making it through the complex application process and the challenges of building new businesses.
The new wholesale microbusinesses can grow a limit of 250 flowering plants, allowing them to focus on quality craftsmanship and innovation. Some will take a craft approach, producing small-batch, artisanal products; others will focus on scaling within the 250-plant limit to meet wider consumer demand. These new businesses are called“ Micro” because of their small-scale production as opposed to commercial operators who are allowed 30,000 square feet of flowering plant canopy space to grow up to 2,800 flowering plants. Once the microbusiness plants are harvested, consumers will find the fruits of microbusinesses’ labor at the soon-to-open microbusiness dispensaries.
Being awarded a state-issued microbusiness license is not easy. Applicants must demonstrate that the microbusiness license they are applying for is majority-owned and operated by eligible individuals, among other criteria.
On April 14, the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation( DCR) announced news of revoking 25 of the 32 microbusiness cannabis facility licenses during the second round of licensing for the Missouri voter-approved program for microbusinesses. Per Article XIV, microbusiness licenses are cannabis businesses that operate on a smaller scale than medical or comprehensive licenses. One of the program’ s requirements is that the majority owner( s) must meet at least one eligibility qualification, such as having a net worth of less than $ 250,000 or being a veteran with a service-connected disability. The microbusiness program is designed to provide an opportunity for cannabis facility ownership to individuals who might not otherwise easily access that opportunity. It also requires the DCR to verify that microbusiness licenses were awarded to and are being operated by eligible owners. DCR must continue monitoring microbusiness ownership details, in case they change later, to ensure these licenses remain in compliance.
These smaller-scale microbusinesses not only support local economies but also encourage community engagement, job creation, and the development of both unique cannabis products and the traditional offerings that we’ ve now become accustomed.
Be sure to read Chairwoman of the Missouri Microbusiness Association Samantha Blum’ s article on page 10 to learn more about“ The Blossoming of Missouri’ s Micros: What to Expect as Doors Begin to Open.” Blum will continue to bring more microbusiness openings news in future issues.
Most importantly, celebrate Mom on Mother’ s Day, May 11, and express your gratitude for her love, care, and dedication. She is the glue holding families together— as is Grammie!
Lastly, Memorial Day is May 26, when we honor our lost military personnel who died defending our freedom. Memorial Day is also considered the unofficial beginning of summer, a season we are all more than ready to enjoy as the warmth arrives, swimming pools open, and( cannabis) flowers blossom.
Let’ s Thrive in 2025!
6 May 2025
From
The
Editor
Bill Cromwell, Editor-in-Chief
May Flowers
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