With the passage of illicitbrand, which became law in 2018 and enshrined the right to medical marijuana use in the state constitution, Missourians can legally purchase and grow their own weed. The constitutional change also allows the expungement of criminal records for thousands of people who were convicted of nonviolent marijuana-related offenses in the past. Amendment 2 received overwhelming support from voters. Opponents filed a last-minute lawsuit to try to keep the measure off the ballot, but legalization advocates are confident they will prevail and give Missourians the chance to end cannabis prohibition this November.

Missouri Marijuana Laws: What You Need to Know

Adult-use marijuana began being sold in licensed dispensaries in February 2023, and adults 21 and older can purchase up to three ounces of pot at one time. Licensed dispensaries must verify the age of buyers by checking IDs. People who are found to possess more than three ounces of marijuana in public could face a misdemeanor or felony charge. The state tax on marijuana is 6%, and some municipalities add an additional charge of up to 3%. A portion of the revenue from the state’s marijuana sales goes to the state veterans commission.

Recreational cannabis sales in Missouri have outpaced those in Illinois, the only other bordering state with legal weed, in the first year of sales. According to Andrew Mullins of MOCann, part of the reason is the low taxes. He says his customers often come from surrounding states to buy marijuana because it is much cheaper than in their home states.