By Cannabis retailers in Missouri posted more than $100 million in sales in February. This is the first month that recreational marijuana has been legally sold in the state. according to the information Total cannabis sales reached $102.9 million last month, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, announced Friday. That figure includes approximately $72 million in retail purchases of adult cannabis, and monthly sales of medical marijuana in Missouri exceeded $31 million.
Voters in Missouri legalized recreational cannabis use in last year’s midterm elections, passing the Third Amendment, which was approved by more than 53% of the vote. Recreational marijuana sales began on existing medical marijuana on Feb. 3, less than three months after voters approved the adult-use cannabis legalization measure.
Andrew Mullins, executive director of the Missouri Cannabis Trade Council (MOCann), said the month in which regulated adult-use cannabis sales began in the state was the same as recreational cannabis sales in neighboring Illinois in 2020. said to be over the moon.
“That’s more than double the state of Illinois, which has twice the population,” Mullins said last month of Missouri’s adult cannabis sales reaching $71.7 million. “So it really shows his interest and excitement for Missouri’s new adult industry.”
Mullins said that if the sales pace in the first month continues, Missouri cannabis retailers will sell more than $1 billion in cannabis this year. He attributes some of February’s sales to visitors from neighboring states. Of his eight states bordering Missouri, only Illinois has legalized recreational marijuana so far.
“Cannatourism people who may decide to come to Missouri to access and use cannabis.” Mullins said St. Louis Public Radio. “This seems to be affecting sales in Missouri as well.”
Good Day Farm’s chief marketing officer, Laurie Gregory, said the company’s pharmacies in cities near the border with other states, such as Kansas City and Independence, have seen significant traffic from out-of-state customers. said.
“The first weekend we had patients driving in from Texas and Illinois,” Gregory said. “There are states around Missouri that don’t have the program.
Regulated weed prices lower than neighboring Illinois
Pricing compared to cannabis retailers in neighboring states, where the sale of recreational marijuana is regulated, was also cited as a factor behind Missouri’s strong numbers.
“Various stores carry flower strains priced between $25 and $40,” says Gregory. “In Illinois, $30 to $60.”
MOCann spokesman Jack Cardetti said better access to consumers was a big part of Missouri’s strong sales numbers, adding that the state serves a population of 6 million. Illinois has only 113 retail stores and a population of 12 million people, compared to 196 pharmacies serving the United States. He also pointed out that taxation is exacerbating the price difference between his two states.
“Not only are retail prices lower in Missouri than in Illinois, but takeaway prices are actually significantly lower when you factor in Illinois’ higher taxes,” says Cardetti. “Time and again we have seen that if we tax marijuana too much, people continue to access the illegal market, which is exactly what legalization is trying to prevent.”
Former NBA star Al Harrington’s company, Viola, is backing two cannabis dispensaries that opened in St. Louis over the weekend, according to Viola STL CEO Daniel Pettigrew. It has become a store. He said the city has given the company a warm welcome, and that the company’s pharmacy on Iowa Avenue in St. Louis is the only cannabis retailer in the city with a drive-thru.
“It’s important because we want people to be able to come to a safe and secure place, pick up the product, and then leave. This will allow us to serve more customers.” pettigrew said KSDK TV News. “This area is in a community, so when we met with them, what was important to them was that many people didn’t want to stand in the area and linger. We just need to complete the transaction in a safe environment, facilitate it, provide everyone with what they need, and get the process started as quickly as possible.”
Bryce Chapman, a consumer who previously purchased marijuana from unregulated markets, said it was easier to buy from a dispensary than from an underground dealer. He added that he appreciates consistent quality and clear pricing at his dispensing pharmacy.
“You can go in, get what you need, and go home,” said Chapman. “You don’t have to find someone who has the right kind of stuff. You get exactly what you need. I really like how scientific it is.” or do you want more?”. Do you want sativa to dominate? Before, you just got what you got.”
