Micro Biz News ►
Missouri’ s
Micro Milestone
A look at how the state’ s first microbusinesses and the Department of Cannabis Regulation are blazing trails together. by Samantha Blum, contributing writer
Missouri’ s microbusiness program continues to evolve, and Round 1 has officially closed with encouraging momentum and meaningful lessons learned. From the state’ s perspective, the first wave of micro licensees laid a strong foundation for what’ s shaping up to be one of the most collaborative and community-driven chapters in Missouri’ s cannabis industry.
According to the Department of Cannabis Regulation( DCR), ten microbusinesses have commenced operations, with five additional licenses actively working through the final inspection stages. The two most recent facilities to officially commence are Bud Wizard and StrainWorx, both part of the growing list of success stories coming out of Round 1.
Smoother Paths and Stronger Connections
One of the biggest takeaways from Round 1 was the success of the variance process, which helped licensees stay compliant as they worked toward commencement. The department reports that it received an overwhelmingly positive response from licensees, with the process creating, as DCR Chief Equity Officer Lesley Turek described it,“ a smooth pathway to maintain compliance with operational deadlines.”
Staff members worked proactively to communicate when and how to submit requests, and the results speak for themselves: several variances are approved, the remaining few are still under review, and there aren’ t any currently denied. Each case was handled individually, with DCR staff working directly with licensees to understand their circumstances and determine the best course of action.
Only one license from the first round was surrendered to DCR; the rest continued progressing. DCR has maintained contact with licensees still finalizing operations, helping them remain on track and compliant as they push toward commencement.
Learning from the First Round
Round 1 offered valuable insight for both DCR and licensees alike. Turek, who served in the Business Licensing Services bureau during the first round, said the early experience helped refine the department’ s processes and strengthen its communication with applicants.“ The processes to license and verify both minimum standards and eligibility worked well,” she said, noting that staff also“ found ways to improve efficiencies” along the way.
Now serving as chief equity officer, Turek makes a point to get out into the field— visiting facilities and hearing directly from licensees about their hurdles and wins.“ Round 1 licensees have truly blazed the trail for everyone else,” she said, expressing pride in the teamwork and determination that have defined this first group of operators. Their perseverance and willingness to work together helped DCR better understand how to support future licensees and strengthen the program.
Community and Collaboration in Action
Perhaps the most defining theme of Round 1 has been the community formed among Missouri’ s microbusinesses. Despite funding and site selection hurdles, licensees have continued to show remarkable resilience and cooperation.
Turek said one of the biggest successes she sees daily is“ the level of work ethic and commitment that each of the microbusiness licensees brings to the program.” That effort, she added, extends far beyond individual businesses.
“ The licensees have built a community of support and encouragement,” she said.“ They advocate for each other and work to develop strong relationships both within the microbusiness community and the larger cannabis industry in the state.”
This growing mutual support network has become a hallmark of Missouri’ s micro program— a foundation that future licensees will now build upon.
What’ s ahead for Rounds 2 and 3
Looking ahead to Rounds 2 and 3, DCR is taking the lessons from the first round and turning them into action steps. New training materials, updated guidance, and more open communication with licensees are all part of the effort to keep Missouri’ s micro program moving smoothly.
32 November 2025