{"id":374508,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:46","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-marijuana-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-03-06T15:20:37","modified_gmt":"2025-03-06T20:20:37","slug":"missouri-marijuana-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-marijuana-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Missouri Marijuana Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Missouri Marijuana Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Missouri marijuana laws allow both medical and recreational use, approved by voters through Constitutional Amendments. Medical marijuana was legalized in November 2018, followed by recreational use in November 2022. The state\u2019s Department of Health and Senior Services regulates both, ensuring compliance with possession, cultivation, and distribution laws. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Before legalizing recreational cannabis sales, most states approve medical marijuana first. The state of Missouri is no exception in this case.<\/p>\r\n

Missouri voters approved Missouri Constitutional Amendment 2 and the right to access medical marijuana on November 8th, 2018. One month later, it went into effect<\/a> as Article XIV, granting the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) the authority to regulate and license medical marijuana in Missouri for qualifying patients with medical conditions.<\/p>\r\n

The medical use program became a resounding success. Four years to the day later, voters again changed the face of cannabis use in Missouri, voting in Missouri Constitutional Amendment 3.<\/p>\r\n

This opened the door for recreational use in the state, but there are still laws and regulations that must be obeyed.<\/p>\r\n

In this article, we’ll learn about staying on the right side of law enforcement, what the legal limits are, and how Missouri benefits from a robust cannabis trade. Read on for a deep dive into Missouri Marijuana laws.<\/p>\r\n

Use, Purchase, and Possession\/Cultivation of Marijuana<\/h2>\r\n

Legal marijuana in Missouri is a complex and ever-evolving subject. Knowing how to enjoy cannabis products while staying within legal boundaries can keep you out of trouble.<\/p>\r\n

Use of Marijuana in Missouri<\/h3>\r\n

To begin, keep in mind that it’s illegal to use cannabis products in public in Missouri. This was included in the legislation that legalized medical marijuana use<\/a>. It applies to medical marijuana patients as well.<\/p>\r\n

Cannabis use is also not permitted in a motor vehicle while it is moving or parked in a public space. Driving under the influence of marijuana carries the same penalties as an alcohol-caused DUI charge.<\/p>\r\n

As marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug at the federal level<\/a>, it’s also prohibited in any federal parks or other properties. While there have been attempts to get marijuana a different classification<\/a>, so far, it has not passed.<\/p>\r\n

Adult-use recreational marijuana is legal in Missouri for those above 21 years of age. Medical marijuana is available to those under the age of 21 with a physician’s referral and, if they’re under 18, with parental approval. Applications are available<\/a> on the DHSS website.<\/p>\r\n

Purchase of Marijuana in Missouri<\/h3>\r\n

Adult-use customers can purchase flowers, edibles, and other marijuana products at any of Missouri’s licensed dispensaries. You must present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license.<\/p>\r\n