More than 2,000 applications were submitted for medical marijuana licenses in 2019, but fewer than 400 were ultimately awarded. And while the state doesn’t track the race of those who got a license, people in the burgeoning industry say few went to Black-owned businesses.
Few Black business owners received licenses to grow, manufacture and sell medical marijuana. Some fear a proposed legalization measure would do the same.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City will be paid by the state to study if Missouri is once again failing to equitably employ minority-owned and women-owned businesses.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City will be paid by the state to study if Missouri is once again failing to equitably employ minority-owned and women-owned businesses.