Missouri’s flying high: More than $3.9 million in application fees alone for marijuana sales

In November 2018, Missouri residents approved with 66% of the vote a ballot measure to legalize the medical use of cannabis.

Since then, Missouri has raked in more than $3.9 million in fees from applicants, ahead of accepting formal applications starting on August 3rd. The state expects to license businesses by the end of the year.

Applicants need hundreds of thousands in cash and must describe details of their business plans, including odor control, security, and economic impact. Some companies have retained lobbyists as the application process intensifies.

Currently, there are more than 500 names on applications to grow and sell marijuana in Missouri.