July saw monthly cannabis sales exceed $20 million for the first time in the U.S. state of Missouri.
The $21.03 million in sales for the month saw the total amount purchased in the state reach $91.36 million since legal sales commenced in October last year. Sales have been supported by 130,000+ Missouri patients with a Department of Health and Senior Services issued patient card.
Given Missouri has an overall state population of 6.1 million people, that translates to more than 2% of the population having a card; and of course the proportion is significantly higher based on just the adult population.
It was in May this year when the registered patient count topped 100,000 and number is expected to eclipse 150,000 by the end of the year.
After some initial supply and availability problems, Missouri patients are somewhat spoilt for choice these days. A total of 375 facilities have been licenced to cultivate, manufacture, test, transport or dispense medical marijuana. Just recently, home deliveries also became available in some areas.
Missouri is planning to authorize a total of 192 dispensaries state-wide.
“Missouri is one of the only medical cannabis states where patients don’t have to drive long distances to access medicine,” said the Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association’s Andrew Mullins. “As a result of this tremendous patient access, our industry is seeing record sales, a diverse line of products, and Missouri marijuana companies are creating jobs and investing in their local communities.”
The Association says as product selection and availability increase there are indications that prices for Missouri patients are dropping.
Missouri residents with any of nearly two dozen qualifying conditions can purchase medical cannabis with a physician’s certification. Doctors can also certify patients who have other chronic and debilitating medical conditions based on the physician’s belief a patient could benefit.
In addition to the wide availability of medical marijuana, appropriately registered patients or their caregivers can also home-grow cannabis – up to six flowering marijuana plants, six non-flowering plants and six clones at any given time.
Medical cannabis sales
in Missouri are accompanied by an additional 4 percent sales tax, the proceeds of which go towards to health and care of military veterans.
