Missouri’s medical marijuana program saw high demand in 2020

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri – Received more than 56,000 patients Medical marijuana licenses in Missouri last year according to new information from the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).

In addition to the 56,488 new licensees reported in the second year of the program, 12,062 patient licenses were renewed. The DHSS also began facility inspections last year, approving 17 pharmacies, 10 growers, two test laboratories, two transport centers, and one manufacturing facility.

The data was in a Annual report from the DHSS section for the regulation of medical marijuana.

“It is an honor to be part of the great success of this new medical industry in Missouri,” said Director Lyndall Fraker. “Our goal is to offer a safe, well-regulated, patient-centered program that is unparalleled in our great nation. Our success undeniably proves that we achieved this goal on time and fulfilled all of our constitutional commitments made by the citizens of the great state of Missouri. “

About 23 months passed between the passage of the medical marijuana legalization law and its first sale in October, beating the national average of 29 months, according to the report. While Covid-19 pandemic Delayed some facilities, forcing the department to work from home for much of the year, reported few operational challenges, and continued to work closely with the facilities to further cultivate and deliver their products.

The majority of the state’s patients are between 30 and 39 years old, which makes up more than 24 percent of the licensed population. More than 2,000 patients were licensed to treat cancer, while nearly 21,000 licenses were prescribed for psychiatric illnesses and 17,500 for chronic illnesses.

State law required Fees and Taxes Collected by institutions and patients to move towards the Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC). DHSS made its first referral to the commission in September, rerouting more than $ 2.1 million to MVC.

There were a handful of license withdrawals in the second year of the program, including four transportation facilities and a pharmacy. By the end of 2020, there were 22 active transport permits.

The second year of the program mainly focused on approval, verification and inspections. The DHSS plans to increase public engagement while implementing and enforcing clearer regulations for facilities and patients.

The states first cultivation facility opened in St. Louis County in June 2020. In Missouri, more than 130 facilities are operational and 379 have been licensed. The state began issuing licenses last year after meeting with interested parties and drafting regulations in 2019.

The data was collected during the second year of operation of the program between Dec 2019 and Dec 2020.

Missouri’s medical marijuana program was founded in 2018 Change 2. The move created a framework for doctors to recommend marijuana or marijuana products for the treatment of nine qualified conditions – such as PTSD, seizures, cancer, and epilepsy – and “any other chronic, debilitating, or other medical condition” at the doctor’s professional discretion.

Cameron Gerber studied journalism at Lincoln University. Prior to Lincoln, he earned an associate degree from State Fair Community College. Cameron is from Eldon, Missouri.

Contact Cameron at cameron@themissouritimes.com.