Cannabis

After voters legalized recreational cannabis for sale to adults in 2023, the industry generated nearly $1.5 billion in sales and $250 million in sales tax — but it hasn't come without its challenges.

Of the 96 microlicenses issued so far, 41 have either been revoked or are currently at risk of being revoked. Another three are under investigation.

Of the 96 microbusiness licenses issued by the state through a lottery since the program’s inception last year, cannabis consultant David Brodsky is connected to seven. They are all under investigation or facing revocation.

An appeals court ruled in favor of Missouri cannabis industry groups. They argued it's unconstitutional for counties and municipalities to each impose a 3% sales tax.

A circuit court in May ruled that both a county and a local municipality can impose a 3% sales tax at dispensaries in their jurisdictions.

Contract tied to six revoked microbusiness licenses aimed to give investor full ownership of the business, while Black disabled veteran applied for the license.

In a 6-0 ruling, the court found that cannabis laws in Illinois had evolved to the point that just catching a whiff of burnt weed is no longer enough probable cause for police to search a vehicle.

Following a lawsuit from the state's hemp industry, Missouri health regulators will stop embargoing products simply because they contain hemp-derived THC. Instead, they'll focus on identifying "misbranded" products.

The commander of the VFW post condemned the inspection — part of Missouri's ban on intoxicating hemp products — though the state said it was responding to a complaint.

New entrants to marijuana market still struggle against entrenched businesses.