Medical dispensaries are ready, and have a leg up, if marijuana is fully legalized in Missouri
Recreational use is on the ballot for voters to decide in November
Recreational use is on the ballot for voters to decide in November
Recreational use is on the ballot for voters to decide in November
New ballot language could legalize recreational marijuana in Missouri.
It's on the ballot for voters to decide in November.
In North Kansas City, a dispensary, BesaMe Wellness, already has a medical license. That means it would be easier for this business to go recreational.
The products they offer could soon gain a whole new market.
“Literally, I just go ‘it's on the ballot,’ and everybody just let out a rolling cheer through the office,” said Aaron Turvey, who helps with transportation for BesaMe’s products.
He says business will be good if voters approve recreational marijuana in November.
“A moderate market that goes from medical to mature rec is double, triple, even up to quintuple just as far as revenue and volume,” Turvey said.
Alex Hansen is glad it could help people with criminal records or renters' violations who have used marijuana in the past.
She says giving people more options helps.
“I think the more exposure you get to it and the people that didn't really have that exposure now do, mindsets change,” Hansen said.
A recent survey showed that 62% of Missourians support full legalization. An estimated 38% are still opposed, and even some in the industry are critical of the new ballot language. They say there's not enough opportunity for new people to break in.
“We're going to get a lot more people who are still scared to come out of the shadows,” Turvey said.
At BesaMe, they know there's work ahead, but they’re ready for the change and eager to reach new people.
The licensing process would be phased in, and some of the licensing would happen by congressional districts.