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DHSS releases draft rules on medical marijuana ahead of additional public forums

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – DHSS has now released its first draft of rules. This set of rules is specifically focused on the qualified patient and primary caregiver.

Additional drafts of proposed rules addressing other components of the medical marijuana program will be posted online as they are drafted. DHSS encourages feedback on this draft as well as future drafts as these are not final. Suggestions can be submitted using the online suggestion form.

“MoCannTrade applauds the Department of Health and Senior Services in the timely delivery of its first set of draft rules and regulations regarding Missouri’s new medical marijuana program. This first set of draft rules, focused on patients and caregivers, uphold the integrity and intent of the constitutional amendment Missourians overwhelmingly passed in November. We will continue working with and educating Missourians who are interested in this industry during this rulemaking and implementation process. MoCannTrade further commends the department for its continued work in a smart, efficient manner towards what ultimately we believe will be the best medical marijuana law in the country.”

As of Feb. 20, a total of 434 pre-filed facility license application forms and fees totaling $3,128,000 have been received by DHSS. Of those, 237 are pre-filed application forms for dispensary facilities. DHSS has broken those down by congressional district:

·         District 1 – 36
·         District 2 – 17
·         District 3 – 38
·         District 4 – 27
·         District 5 – 58
·         District 6 – 14
·         District 7 – 33
·         District 8 – 14

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) will host four additional public forums throughout the state to accept suggestions from the public regarding the formation of rules and regulations for the program. DHSS hosted its first forum in Jefferson City on Feb. 13, and more than 300 people attended.

The forums will be opportunities for interested individuals to leave thoughtful feedback, verbally or written, about what should or should not be included in the medical marijuana program regulations. The scope of the discussion will be limited to suggestions for program regulation.

“The input received at the first forum hosted in Jefferson City was very helpful to us,” said Lyndall Fraker, Director of DHSS Section for Medical Marijuana Regulation. “The feedback we received from attendees was that the opportunity to have their voices heard was appreciated, so we have decided to extend these opportunities to other areas throughout the state.”

Upcoming forums:
·         5-8 p.m., Feb. 27 in Poplar Bluff – Three Rivers Community College, 2080 Tinnin Fine Arts Center
·         5-8 p.m., Feb. 28 in St. Louis – TBA
·         5-8 p.m., March 6 in Kansas City – TBA
·         5-8 p.m., March 7 in Springfield – Ozarks Technical Community College
DHSS will continue to post updates as they become available on its medical marijuana webpage.