Medical cannabis patient, caregiver count exceeds 50K
June 10, 2020
The expected availability of medical cannabis in Missouri this summer continues to drive a wave of patient interest, with more than 50,000 patient and caregiver applications receiving approval from state health regulators.
As of May 22, 2020, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services had approved a total of 51,159 applications from patients (49,665) and caregivers (1,494), with thousands more pending review.
That works out to a weekly average of more than 1,000 new patients since the program started accepting applications last June – an impressive pace that hasn’t noticeably slowed, even amid the global pandemic and an extended stay-at-home order by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson.
“The continued growth in patient interest shows that the will of Missouri voters remains on full display,” said Andrew Mullins, executive director of the Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association (MoCannTrade), referring to the overwhelming approval 18 months ago of what is now Article XIV in the state Constitution. “And that interest will likely only grow once visibility increases after retail dispensaries begin opening later this summer.”
Before that can happen, Missouri regulators must first verify the applications of the hundreds of businesses to receive medical marijuana business licenses from the state, followed by a commencement inspection prior to the start of operations.
DHSS reports completing 75 verifications, with three commencement inspections under way. The former group includes Certified Alternative Medicine Providers (CAMP), a licensed cultivator and manufacturer of infused products in St. Louis.
In addition to receiving preliminary state approval, the company has worked with its architect and security consultants to finalize building design and continues to add staff and consult with suppliers as it prepares to begin facility construction, said president Susan Griffith.
Cultivators and manufacturers in St. Louis and St. Joseph have received preliminary state approval to move forward with construction of facilities.
Missouri Cannabis Testing, a division of EKG Labs, has also received its state verification. Its St. Louis County facility is one of 10 labs statewide where medical marijuana sold at retail must first be tested.
“We’re in regular communication with cultivators and manufacturers to understand client timelines, potential volume and any additional needs beyond the state-mandated testing,” said Natalie Brown, the company’s director of operations.
The acceleration of business planning and sustained growth in patient interest follows the conclusion of a Missouri legislative session in which several proposals that would water down or undermine Article XIV were defeated.
The unsuccessful measures include a bill mandating the state allow unlimited number of cannabis business licenses; legislation that would have banned edibles as a medical cannabis form sold in Missouri; and a bill that would have prevented state-licensed physicians from certifying medical marijuana patients through telemedicine.
The Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association (MoCannTrade) is an association of business owners, health care providers, professionals, patients and residents responsible for helping to implement a successful, safe and compliant medical marijuana program in Missouri.
The membership-based association is directed by a board of diverse professionals experienced in medical marijuana, healthcare, law, pharmaceuticals, science, agriculture, law enforcement, security, commercial real estate, finance, public affairs and regulatory sectors.
To learn more about MoCannTrade please visit www.mocanntrade.org
As of May 22, 2020, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services had approved a total of 51,159 applications from patients (49,665) and caregivers (1,494), with thousands more pending review.
That works out to a weekly average of more than 1,000 new patients since the program started accepting applications last June – an impressive pace that hasn’t noticeably slowed, even amid the global pandemic and an extended stay-at-home order by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson.
“The continued growth in patient interest shows that the will of Missouri voters remains on full display,” said Andrew Mullins, executive director of the Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association (MoCannTrade), referring to the overwhelming approval 18 months ago of what is now Article XIV in the state Constitution. “And that interest will likely only grow once visibility increases after retail dispensaries begin opening later this summer.”
Before that can happen, Missouri regulators must first verify the applications of the hundreds of businesses to receive medical marijuana business licenses from the state, followed by a commencement inspection prior to the start of operations.
DHSS reports completing 75 verifications, with three commencement inspections under way. The former group includes Certified Alternative Medicine Providers (CAMP), a licensed cultivator and manufacturer of infused products in St. Louis.
In addition to receiving preliminary state approval, the company has worked with its architect and security consultants to finalize building design and continues to add staff and consult with suppliers as it prepares to begin facility construction, said president Susan Griffith.
Cultivators and manufacturers in St. Louis and St. Joseph have received preliminary state approval to move forward with construction of facilities.
Missouri Cannabis Testing, a division of EKG Labs, has also received its state verification. Its St. Louis County facility is one of 10 labs statewide where medical marijuana sold at retail must first be tested.
“We’re in regular communication with cultivators and manufacturers to understand client timelines, potential volume and any additional needs beyond the state-mandated testing,” said Natalie Brown, the company’s director of operations.
The acceleration of business planning and sustained growth in patient interest follows the conclusion of a Missouri legislative session in which several proposals that would water down or undermine Article XIV were defeated.
The unsuccessful measures include a bill mandating the state allow unlimited number of cannabis business licenses; legislation that would have banned edibles as a medical cannabis form sold in Missouri; and a bill that would have prevented state-licensed physicians from certifying medical marijuana patients through telemedicine.
The Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association (MoCannTrade) is an association of business owners, health care providers, professionals, patients and residents responsible for helping to implement a successful, safe and compliant medical marijuana program in Missouri.
The membership-based association is directed by a board of diverse professionals experienced in medical marijuana, healthcare, law, pharmaceuticals, science, agriculture, law enforcement, security, commercial real estate, finance, public affairs and regulatory sectors.
To learn more about MoCannTrade please visit www.mocanntrade.org
