Missouri has developed a unique cannabis culture and community over the years. Although cannabis was illegal for decades, there was still a vibrant underground culture surrounding the plant. Missouri initially legalized medical marijuana in 2018 through a ballot initiative, marking the start of the legal cannabis industry in the state. Recreational cannabis remains illegal as of 2023, though there are ongoing efforts to change that.
The medical cannabis program has grown rapidly since its inception. There are now over 200,000 registered patients and thousands of licensed businesses involved in cultivation, processing, distribution and retail sales. Patients have access to a wide variety of products including flower, concentrates, edibles, topicals and more. The program has generated hundreds of millions in sales so far.
While medical marijuana is now accepted, restrictions remain in place. Patients need certification from a doctor to obtain a medical card. There are also limits on possession, purchase amounts, and public use.
Still, the legalization of medical cannabis has enabled the growth of an open community and culture around the plant. Dispensaries host events, lounges offer social spaces, and local groups provide education and advocacy. Missouri’s unique cannabis culture blends long-standing traditional values with new opportunities brought by legalization.
Major Cannabis Events
Missouri has seen a surge in major cannabis events since medical marijuana was legalized in 2018 and recreational legalization passed in 2022. These events provide opportunities for advocacy, education, entertainment, and community building around cannabis culture.
The two largest annual events are the Gateway Cannabis Conference and the MO Cannabis Expo. The Gateway Cannabis Conference started in 2019 and is held in St. Louis, bringing together industry experts, businesses, and advocates to discuss the latest in cannabis science, medicine, policy, and more. 2022’s conference drew over 5,000 attendees.
The MO Cannabis Expo is focused more on the consumer side, with music, vendors, presentations, and a competition for the best Missouri-grown cannabis. The 2022 Expo in Kansas City highlighted Missouri growers and producers of cannabis products. An estimated 7,500 cannabis enthusiasts gathered for the weekend-long event.
Smaller cannabis festivals and conventions take place in cities like Columbia, Springfield, and Jefferson City. These events are held throughout the year in various locations. These community-based events cater to local cannabis interests and issues.
The Show-Me Cannabis Convention in Fulton aims to educate about cannabis in rural communities. The annual 420 Festival in Columbia is popular among University of Missouri students.
St. Louis Cannabis Expo is one of the important events in Missouri. It has drawn many enthusiasts from around the state in past years. This year, it will take place from the 18th to the 19th of May.
Cannabis is becoming more accepted in Missouri. As a result, big events related to cannabis will continue to grow in size. These events will showcase the state’s emerging cannabis culture. They provide opportunities to normalize, celebrate, and share knowledge about cannabis.
Local Cannabis Communities
Missouri has a growing number of cannabis communities and social clubs that provide a space for cannabis enthusiasts to connect. These groups help build a sense of community around cannabis use and advocacy.
Some of the main cannabis social clubs and organizations in Missouri include:
- Show Me Cannabis – This nonprofit organization advocates for cannabis policy reform in Missouri. They host events and provide education around safe and responsible cannabis use.
- Missouri Marijuana Card – This group connects medical marijuana patients in Missouri. They host meetups and social events for cardholders to build community.
- NORML KC The Kansas City chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws focuses on reform advocacy and hosts social events.
- St. Louis NORML – This group’s advocacy focuses on the St. Louis area. They work to reform local cannabis laws.
- Missouri Cannabis Industry Association – This trade organization supports Missouri’s cannabis businesses. They host networking events for industry members.
- Women Grow – With chapters in Kansas City and St. Louis, Women Grow connects women in the cannabis industry through monthly social mixers.
These organizations help unite Missouri cannabis supporters through educational, social, and advocacy-focused events. They demonstrate the state’s growing cannabis community and culture.
Cannabis-Friendly Establishments
Missouri is home to a growing number of cannabis-friendly businesses and establishments that cater to the cannabis community. These businesses provide safe, welcoming spaces where adults 21 and over can legally consume cannabis.
Some of the most popular types of cannabis-friendly establishments in Missouri include:
- Cafes and Lounges
Cannabis cafes and lounges allow patrons to consume cannabis in a communal setting, similar to a coffee shop or bar. These establishments may offer food and non-alcoholic beverages, live music, games, comedy shows, and other forms of entertainment. Popular cannabis cafes in Missouri include The Joint CO in Kansas City, which features live glassblowing demonstrations.
- Restaurants
A number of restaurants across Missouri allow cannabis consumption in outdoor designated areas or private event spaces. For example, Pizza Head in St. Louis has a Bring Your Own Bud (BYOBud) policy for their outdoor patio space. Diners can order from the full food menu while legally consuming their own cannabis.
- Yoga and Wellness Studios
Some yoga studios, spas, and wellness centers host cannabis-friendly events like 420-friendly yoga classes or cannabis spa days. These controlled environments allow people to experience the perceived wellness benefits of cannabis paired with other relaxing activities.
- Art Galleries and Music Venues
Certain art galleries and music venues permit cannabis consumption at specific events, usually late at night shows restricted to adults 21 and over. Consuming cannabis may enhance patrons’ enjoyment and experience of the arts.
Missouri weed-friendly establishments create unique spaces where adults can legally gather, socialize, and consume cannabis in a communal setting. As social acceptance continues to grow, cannabis-friendly businesses will likely continue expanding across the state.m
Cannabis Tourism in Missouri
Missouri is quickly becoming a hotspot for cannabis tourism. As legalization spreads, more people are interested in traveling to experience legal Missouri marijuana culture. Missouri has a lot to offer curious tourists.
Some of the most popular cannabis-related attractions in Missouri include:
- Cannabis tours – Companies like Missouri Cannabus Tours offer guided tours of local dispensaries, grow facilities, and other cannabis destinations. Tourists can learn about the industry and Missouri’s unique cannabis culture.
- Cannabis-friendly lodging – Hotels like Earthbound Inn in St. Louis openly welcome cannabis enthusiasts. Guests can consume cannabis in designated areas.
- Cannabis-infused dining – Restaurants like Pizza Head in St. Louis offer THC-infused options on their menus. It provides a unique culinary experience.
- Cannabis shopping – Missouri has over 200 licensed dispensaries. Tourists can browse the latest cannabis products and enjoy interacting with budtenders.
- Cannabis museums – The Missouri Cannabis Museum in St. Louis celebrates the history and culture of cannabis in the state through exhibits and events; we will write about it later!
- Cannabis yoga/painting/cooking classes – Various experiences that pair cannabis consumption with creative activities. A social way to enjoy cannabis.
- Cannabis festivals – Major events like Show Me Cannabis bring the community together to celebrate legalization. Live music, vendors, speakers and more.Missouri Cannabis Festival is one of the main events happening at the Regalia Hotel on June 1st, 2024, featuring live music and a fun gathering of weed enthusiasts.
Missouri cannabis attractions offer tourists a glimpse into marijuana culture and the industry. As more states legalize, cannabis tourism will continue growing in popularity.
Economic Impact
Missouri marijuana industry is poised for major economic growth in the coming years. Since medical marijuana was legalized in 2018 and recreational cannabis legalized in 2022, the industry has already begun making an impact.
According to recent data, there are currently over 10,000 jobs supported by the cannabis industry in Missouri. This includes roles at dispensaries, cultivation facilities, processing plants, testing labs, and ancillary businesses that provide products and services to the industry. With the launch of the recreational market, it’s estimated that the number of cannabis jobs could double within 2-3 years. Medical marijuana sales is also skyrocketing, indicating that with recreational the local economy will flourish even more.
In terms of tax revenue, Missouri collects 6% in state sales tax on all retail cannabis sales. In 2022, this amounted to over $50 million in tax revenue to the state from the medical market alone. With the addition of adult-use sales, tax revenues are projected to exceed $150 million annually within a few years.
Missouri also collects fees from licensing and certifications for cannabis businesses. In 2021, the state gained over $10 million from license approvals and renewals. As more businesses enter the market, licensing fee revenues will continue climbing. With recreational marijuana, consumer cannabis sales help the local economy to monetize profoundly.
The tourism potential around cannabis could also expand. As stigma against cannabis decreases, more places to stay, social spaces, and experiences will become available for cannabis users. This includes both locals and tourists.
These opportunities can provide a more welcoming environment for those who use cannabis. It can also create a more inclusive and diverse community for everyone to enjoy. This niche tourism market could provide an economic boost, especially in rural areas.
Overall, industry analysts predict that Missouri cannabis market could grow to over $1 billion in annual sales within 5 years. This level of economic activity will create thousands of new jobs, generate hundreds of millions in tax dollars, and stimulate growth for many ancillary businesses. As social acceptance of cannabis continues to increase nationwide, Missouri is poised to become a major hub for the Midwest cannabis industry.
Conclusion
Missouri has developed a unique cannabis culture that reflects both its history and current trends. In Missouri, more people are beginning to support changes in cannabis laws. This is evident through events such as the annual Show-Me Cannabis Reform Conference.
Local communities and businesses are thriving, with a focus on education, social events, and economic opportunities. Home cultivation, tourism, and advocacy for social justice issues are also key topics.
Overall, cannabis culture is flourishing in Missouri despite strict laws. With more progress, Missouri can become a midwestern hub for cannabis tourism, events, and businesses. The future looks bright as stigma fades and legal access expands.
