Missouri Hits $1B In Cannabis Sales As Debate Over Product Labeling & Packaging Heats Up

Medical cannabis sales in Missouri kicked off in late 2020, followed by the launch of recreational sales in February 2023. On May 2, they hit a $1 billion milestone, reported KOMU 8, citing Missouri's Division of Cannabis Regulations (MDCR).

By approving an initiative known as Amendment 3 in November, Missouri voters legalized adult-use cannabis. The measure expanded the existing medical marijuana program by allowing existing licensees to serve both medical and non-medical purchasers. While medical marijuana sales remained steady during the first three months of the newly launched market, with $94 million in products sold, recreational cannabis sales soared to $256.2 million. 

Andrew Mullins, MoCannTrade executive director, touted the benefits of the cannabis policy change.

"Missouri's newest billion-dollar industry is experiencing significant job growth, providing great products and services to Missourians, and becoming an integral part of the local economy throughout the state." 

Mullins highlighted that Missouri got off to a good start avoiding "early hiccups that other states have experienced transitioning from a medical cannabis program."

Debate Over Cannabis Labeling And Packaging

However, some aspects of the new law are still under consideration, like labeling and packaging for cannabis products, reported Missouri Independent.

State regulators proposed "plain or uniform labeling," similar to those of cigarettes or medicines, for cannabis products, at a recent hearing with the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. The proposal builds on a rule under the state constitution that requires marijuana-related products to "not be made to be attractive to children."

According to Amy Moore, director of Missouri's cannabis regulation under the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, such packaging "increases attention to and perceptions of harm and reducing social appeal" among youth.

Missouri Cannabis Trade Association raised some concerns calling the rule "unduly burdensome" as it would require businesses to create new labels.

"Down the beer aisle, these craft beers deliver these cool and interesting designs," said Eric Walter, the association's attorney. "Colors are attractive to everyone, not just children."

Cannabis Marketing Laws Are Frustrating

Kristi Palmer, a co-founder of cannabis edibles brand Kiva Confections, who joined other top CEOs, cannabis executives and entrepreneurs at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference last month in Miami Beach, has a similar viewpoint on the issue.

Touching on the regulatory landscape in the cannabis industry, Palmer told the crowd gathered at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach that laws related to marketing cannabis edibles in some states are "frustrating" and "stupid," referring to those that prohibit fruits on the product's packaging.

"If you have a best-selling strawberry product in your home market, you have to reinvent what goes where the strawberry was on that pack," she said, adding that regulations like this one are "overreaching" and setting the industry back.

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