Cannabis laws are changing quickly around the world, and Missouri is one of the U.S. states where both medical and recreational use are now legal.
Medical marijuana was approved in 2018, and licensed sales began in 2020. More recently, voters passed Amendment 3 in November 2022, allowing adults aged 21 and older to use cannabis for personal, recreational purposes. Possession became legal in December 2022, and dispensaries opened for recreational sales in early 2023.
Missouri’s shift highlights how cannabis laws continue to evolve across the country.
Key Takeaways
- Medical cannabis has been legal since 2018, with patients able to buy or grow under clear state rules.
- Recreational cannabis is legal for adults 21+, with possession capped at 3 ounces and sales available at licensed dispensaries.
- Cultivation at home is allowed with a permit, while public use and driving under the influence remain illegal.
Historical Overview of Cannabis Regulation in Missouri
Cannabis laws in Missouri have gone through major changes over the last decade. For many years, the state treated even small amounts of marijuana as a crime with the risk of jail time.
That began to shift in 2014, when lawmakers passed Senate Bill 491, which reduced penalties for possession and lowered punishments for some drug-related offenses. Although this step did not fully decriminalize cannabis, it signaled that attitudes toward marijuana were starting to change.
In the same year, Missouri also allowed limited medical use of hemp-derived CBD oil for patients with severe epilepsy. This law opened the door for the state’s first legal cannabis products and created an early framework for hemp research.
The most significant move came in November 2018, when voters approved Amendment 2, legalizing medical marijuana for a wide range of conditions. The law granted patients the right to cultivate a small number of plants at home and imposed a 4% tax on medical sales, with the proceeds supporting veterans’ programs. Medical dispensaries began opening in 2020.
In 2022, Missourians voted to extend legalization to recreational cannabis. With Amendment 3, adults 21 and older gained the right to possess and purchase marijuana. Sales began in February 2023, marking the state’s complete transition into a regulated cannabis market.
Medical Cannabis in Missouri: Legal Provisions and Accessibility
Missouri voters approved medical cannabis in 2018 through Amendment 2, which was strongly supported across the state. The amendment added medical marijuana protections to the state constitution, giving patients a legal way to access cannabis when recommended by a doctor. Dispensaries began operating in 2020, and today, medical cannabis is widely available across Missouri.
Patients can qualify for medical marijuana if they have conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or post-traumatic stress disorder. The law also allows doctors to recommend cannabis for chronic pain, terminal illness, or any condition where marijuana may provide a safer alternative to prescription medication. This broad approach has made Missouri’s program one of the most accessible in the U.S.
Qualified patients and caregivers may also apply for a cultivation card, which allows them to grow up to six cannabis plants at home. Purchases at dispensaries are subject to a 4% sales tax, with revenue directed toward programs for military veterans.
While the program has faced challenges in how business licenses were awarded, patients today benefit from hundreds of licensed dispensaries across the state, making medical cannabis both legal and relatively easy to obtain.
Current Legal Status of Recreational Marijuana in Missouri
Recreational cannabis is legal in Missouri for adults aged 21 and older. Following the passage of Amendment 3 in November 2022, individuals may legally possess up to three ounces of marijuana. This law took effect on December 8, 2022, and recreational sales began in February 2023 after medical dispensaries converted their licenses to serve all adult consumers.
Adults may purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries by showing a valid government-issued photo ID. Recreational purchases are taxed at 6%, with the option for local governments to add up to 3% more. Revenue supports state programs, including expungement of certain marijuana offenses, services for veterans, and Missouri’s public defender system.
In addition to buying cannabis, adults can also apply for a personal cultivation card. This permit allows them to grow up to six flowering plants, six non-flowering plants, and six clones in a secure, enclosed space at home.
Penalties remain for anyone who exceeds possession limits or uses cannabis in public spaces where smoking is banned. Driving under the influence of marijuana also remains illegal. While recreational use is fully legal within the outlined limits, compliance with state regulations is essential to avoid fines or criminal charges.
Possession, Cultivation, and Consumption: What’s Allowed in Missouri?
Missouri law now allows both patients and adult consumers to possess and use cannabis, but the rules differ depending on whether it is for medical or recreational purposes.
| Category | Recreational Cannabis | Medical Cannabis |
| Age Requirement | 21+ | Valid patient ID (no minimum age if recommended by physician, but usually for adults/with caregiver) |
| Possession Limit | Up to 3 ounces at any time | Up to 6 ounces per month; patients and caregivers may hold a 60-day supply (12 ounces) |
| Cultivation | With a personal cultivation card: up to 6 flowering plants, 6 non-flowering plants, and 6 clones | With a cultivation card: up to 6 flowering plants, with storage of a 90-day supply allowed |
| Storage Rules | Amounts over 3 ounces must be kept in a locked, enclosed space at home | All cannabis must be securely stored; caregivers must keep each patient’s supply separately labeled |
| Special Allowances | Recreational consumers cannot exceed 3 ounces outside the home | Physicians can approve higher limits if medically necessary |
Cannabis can be purchased from licensed dispensaries across the state. Public use, however, is prohibited, and driving under the influence remains a criminal offense with serious penalties.
What Future for Cannabis Legislation in Missouri?
While cannabis is fully legal for both medical and recreational use in Missouri, debates continue over how the market should be regulated.
A key issue is the sale of intoxicating hemp-derived THC products outside licensed dispensaries. Lawmakers have discussed bringing these items under the same rules as marijuana, but bills have faced strong opposition from retailers and hemp businesses. At the same time, federal talks about rescheduling marijuana could reshape the industry.
Missouri’s cannabis laws are likely to keep evolving, with both state and national changes possible in the coming years.
To Sum Up
Is marijuana legal in Missouri? Yes, both medical and recreational cannabis are now fully legal under state law.
Adults 21 and older may possess up to three ounces, purchase from licensed dispensaries, and even grow plants at home with the proper permit. Patients with medical cards have higher purchase limits and may cultivate more if approved.
While the framework is established, lawmakers continue to debate how to handle hemp-derived THC and other regulatory details.
Since cannabis laws can change, it’s best to stay updated through official state resources and trusted news outlets.
Rita Ferreira
Rita is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience, having worked with globally renowned platforms, including Forbes and Miister CBD. Her deep knowledge of hemp-related businesses and passion for delivering accurate and concise information distinguish her in the industry. Rita's contributions empower individuals and companies to navigate the complexities of the cannabis world, and her work remains a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of its potential.
