Micro Biz News ~
From Promise to Proof
Missouri Micros Keep Building
by Samantha Blum, contributing writer
For a long time, Missouri’ s microbusiness program was more of a topic of conversation than something people could actually experience. We explained it, defended it, and answered the same questions again and again. People called it a failure before most licensees even had a real chance to get started. Despite everything, we’ re still here and blossoming.
Round 3 microbusiness applications were open from July 13 to 27, and applicants are now waiting for the September 9 lottery. That’ s important. The next group is important. But what’ s happening around them matters too, because Round 1 and Round 2 are no longer just paperwork and ideas. They are working businesses.
After talking with Lesley Turek, chief equity officer and microbusiness outreach at the Division of Cannabis Regulation, one number really stood out to me: 21 microbusiness licenses are now approved to operate— 16 wholesalers and five dispensaries.
For a program that has sometimes felt painfully slow, 21 is not a small number. It’ s proof. It’ s not perfect proof or easy proof, but it is hardearned, kicked-in-the-teeth, still-standing proof.
The revocations in Round 1 and Round 2 were tough. There’ s no easy way to say it. When licenses go away, especially dispensary licenses, it affects everyone.
Turek shared that Round 3 had a lot fewer applications than the first two rounds. She hopes that the rule revisions and pre-application training helped people better understand ownership, operational control, compliance, and what they were truly signing up for before they applied. The goal is clear: fewer revocations, stronger applicants, and a smoother path forward.
Platte City has extended Friday and Saturday hours to 10 a. m. to 10 p. m. for now. Once its new drive-thru opens, the store plans to run in-store hours from 10 a. m. to 8 p. m., with drive-thru service from 10 a. m. to 10 p. m.
Grass Roots in Cape Girardeau has opened its drive-thru to the public, which is a big milestone for the program and for patient and consumer access.
Kush 21 in Poplar Bluff is open 365 days a year from 8 a. m. to 10 p. m. and celebrated its first anniversary on August 8. It also offers happy hour twice a day, from 8 a. m. to 10 a. m. and 8 p. m. to 10 p. m., with all flower products 15 % off.
Rooster’ s Stateline Dispensary is open just outside of Platte City Monday – Thursday 8 a. m. to 8 p. m., Friday – Saturday 8 a. m. to 9 p. m., and Sunday 9 a. m. to 5 p. m. It is already working toward adding a drive-thru of its own.
Dank House Dispensary in St. Peters has commenced, with its opening still to be determined. It is creating a space that celebrates local culture. From original artwork on the walls to handcrafted glass from Missouri artists, Dank House is committed to supporting and showcasing the local creative community. Its team is bringing the same philosophy to the shelves by championing Missouri’ s craft cannabis growers.
816 Dispensary’ s new drive-thru lane with canna leaves imprinted into the concrete.
20 September 2026
What stood out even more was how she described micros as a community, because that is what this has become.
We call each other when we’ re stuck. We ask questions. We share vendor names, rule details, packaging tips, and camera advice. Sometimes we ask,“ Please remind me why we are doing this again.” And then you remember. Oh, yes, this is the reason.
On the dispensary side, access is growing in ways customers can actually see. 816 Dispensary in
The team at Heirloom Dispensary, a new microbusiness, prepares to open Mountain Grove, MO..