Columbia, Mo. (AP) Recreational marijuana sales in Missouri officially began Friday after the state health department unexpectedly began approving dispensary permits early. Medical marijuana has been legal in the state since a ballot measure passed in 2018, but voters went a step further this November by approving a constitutional amendment legalizing the drug for anyone 21 or older. The new law made Missouri the 21st state to allow recreational use. Under the amendment, non-medicinal pot use became legal in the state in December. But sales were stalled because the health department had until Friday to issue business licenses. Almost all of the state's medical marijuana dispensaries applied to sell recreational pot, according to Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Senior Services. Of the medical marijuana facilities that applied to sell cannabis recreationally, 335 were approved as of Friday. That includes 207 dispensaries, 72 manufacturers and 56 cultivation
Recreational marijuana sales in Missouri officially began Friday after the state health department unexpectedly began approving dispensary permits early.
St. Louis residents who’ve purchased recreational marijuana at Metro East dispensaries say the convenience of having local shops and lower taxes will make Missouri locations more attractive.