Microbusiness License FAQs

General

What is a microbusiness license?

A microbusiness license is a cannabis business that will operate on a smaller scale than medical or comprehensive licenses. Because a microbusiness license is designed to provide a path to facility ownership for individuals who might not otherwise easily access that opportunity, the majority owner(s) must meet certain eligibility qualifications.

What is the process for obtaining a microbusiness license?

To obtain a microbusiness license, applicants must apply during a microbusiness application time period, as announced on the department’s website. Applications submitted successfully within the microbusiness application time period, with an application fee, are entered into a randomized lottery conducted by the Missouri Lottery.

After the lottery drawing, the top drawn applicants are reviewed for eligibility, minimum application requirements, and compliance standards. If the application meets the requirements, a license will be issued to that applicant. If the application does not meet the requirements, it will be denied, and the next application in line will be reviewed for licensure. This process continues until all available licenses are awarded.

How many microbusiness licenses are being issued?

DHSS licensed 48 microbusiness facilities in October 2023 during the first round of licensing. Following the revocation of licenses that did not meet basic program requirements, the department issued an additional 57 licenses in July 2024. In round 3, DHSS plans to issue at least 77 licenses, bringing the total number of microbusiness licenses up to the constitutional minimum of 144 microbusiness licenses. 

How is a microbusiness license different from a medical or comprehensive facility licenses?

The main difference is that microbusinesses may only purchase marijuana products from other microbusinesses and cannot transfer marijuana products to or from a medical or comprehensive marijuana facility. A microbusiness wholesale license is allowed to cultivate up to 250 flowering plants at any given time, whereas a medical or comprehensive license may cultivate up to 30,000 square feet of flowering canopy space.

What types of microbusiness licenses are available?

There are two types of microbusiness licenses available: microbusiness dispensary licenses and microbusiness wholesale licenses.

What is a microbusiness dispensary license allowed to do?

A microbusiness dispensary license authorizes a licensed facility to engage in the process of dispensing marijuana product for medical or adult use to patients, caregivers and consumers, in accordance with applicable rules and Article XIV. These dispensaries may acquire marijuana product only from a microbusiness wholesale facility or another microbusiness dispensary facility.

A microbusiness dispensary facility’s authority to process marijuana includes the creation of pre-rolls. Each facility may choose to perform all or only some of the activities allowed under this license type.

What does a microbusiness wholesale license allow me to do?

A microbusiness wholesale license allows the licensed facility to acquire, cultivate, process, package, store on-site or off-site, manufacture, transport to or from, deliver, and sell marijuana, marijuana seeds, marijuana vegetative cuttings (also known as clones), and marijuana-infused products to a microbusiness dispensary facility, other microbusiness wholesale facility, or marijuana testing facility. A microbusiness wholesale facility may cultivate up to 250 flowering marijuana plants at any given time. A microbusiness wholesale facility's authority to process marijuana shall include the creation of pre-rolls and infused pre-rolls. A microbusiness wholesale facility may choose to do all or only a subset of the authorized activities.

What is a designated contact?

A designated contact is the individual who receives and is responsible for responding to all departmental communications on behalf of the applicant entity. For a microbusiness application, the designated contact must be an eligible individual who contributes to the majority ownership in the microbusiness. This individual cannot be changed until after licensure, following the completion of application review. Applicants and licensees have an ongoing responsibility to provide DCR most up-to-date contact information for their designated contact, as time-sensitive communications from the department occur during the application and licensure process.

Can I have a consumer personal cultivation identification card and a microbusiness license?

Yes. Individuals may possess both a microbusiness license and a consumer personal cultivation identification card. The microbusiness facility location must comply with the location requirements listed in 19 CSR 100-1 and any zoning requirements of the local government. Consumer personal cultivation ID card holders are authorized to grow marijuana plants for their own personal, non-commercial use, and must comply with all applicable requirements in 19 CSR 100-1.040(5). This includes meeting the enclosed, locked facility requirements listed in 19 CSR 100-1.040(5)(D).

How long are microbusiness licenses valid, and when do they need to be renewed?

A microbusiness license is valid for three (3) years from the date of issuance. Licensees are required to submit a renewal application and pay a renewal fee within the department-provided, web-based application system at least thirty (30) days, but no sooner than ninety (90) days, prior to expiration. Application fees for renewing a microbusiness license are available on the Fee Schedule page.

What are the important steps for the microbusiness application process, and when do they occur?

Important steps in the microbusiness application process:

Submitting a complete microbusiness application within the designated application timeframe.

Valid payment of application fee at time of submission.

Providing all required documentation with the application and supplying any additional documentation when requested by DCR during application processing.

A full timeline of steps in the microbusiness application process is available on the department’s website. For additional assistance, email CannabisFAS@health.mo.gov.

Is proof of Missouri residency a requirement?

No. There is no residency requirement to apply for a microbusiness application.

Are there any classes or training available to help me apply?

DCR’s Chief Equity Officer is responsible for establishing public education programming and technical assistance for communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition and providing information and resources to help individuals apply for a microbusiness license. Activities include outreach forums, informational events, webinars, digital content, tutorials, printable guides, and checklists. Please visit the Outreach and Education page for information on available events.

Additionally, a Pre-Application Technical Assistance Program is available and must be completed by at least one eligible individual contributing to majority ownership listed on each application. This pre-application training covers the following: unconscionable business practices, expectations for owning and operating a microbusiness, funding and investment options and rule compliance expectations.

Since microbusinesses can only do business with other microbusinesses, how will the wholesale licensees connect with the dispensary licensees?

It is important that microbusiness licensees establish business relationships with one another. A list of currently licensed microbusiness licensees can be found on the Licensed Facilities page on the website.

Can I lose federal assistance because I have a microbusiness license?

Any change in financial status, such as starting a business, may affect your eligibility for federal assistance programs. Because every situation is different, you should consult with an attorney for legal advice regarding your specific situation.

Ownership

What does "majority owned and operated" mean?

Per 19 CSR 100-1.190(1)(F), “Majority owned and operated” means the eligible individuals having majority ownership in a microbusiness license must also collectively hold more than fifty percent (50%) of voting power in the licensed entity and have more than fifty percent (50%) of the power to order or direct the management, managers, and policies of the license, enter into and exit agreements on behalf of the license, and otherwise make decisions for the license. Majority ownership cannot be subject to conditions that unduly diminish the controlling interests of the eligible individuals that constitute majority ownership, such as arrangements that subject those majority owners to control of a board or any agreements with disproportionate or exploitative termination fees. DCR continually monitors the details of microbusiness ownership arrangements to ensure licensees remain in compliance with this requirement.

Are there any regulations against spouses holding separate microbusiness licenses?

No. Spouses may apply for and own separate microbusiness licenses. Please keep in mind that any individual may only apply for and be an owner of one microbusiness license at a time.

Is there an age restriction to have ownership in a microbusiness license?

There are no age restrictions for an individual to have ownership in a microbusiness license as long as the individual can legally have ownership in any other type of business. However, applicants should understand that microbusiness licenses must be majority owned and operated by eligible individuals, meaning they must possess the knowledge, control, and decision-making authority expected of an owner, in order to meet the application/license requirement outlined in Article XIV. Additionally, owners under the age of twenty-one (21) are not permitted to possess an agent identification card, which is required for any individual having access to a marijuana facility, pursuant to 19 CSR 100-1.070(2)(B).

If I am an owner of an existing Missouri medical or comprehensive marijuana facility license, can I apply for a Microbusiness license?

No. An applicant may not be an owner of an existing medical, comprehensive, or other microbusiness marijuana facility license. The term “owner” means an individual or other entity having a financial or voting interest in ten percent (10%) or greater of a medical or marijuana facility license. If an owner of an existing medical, comprehensive, or microbusiness facility is listed in the application, the application will be denied.

Can I be an owner of both a transportation facility and a microbusiness facility?

Yes. Owners of a transportation facility may also apply for and own a microbusiness facility. If awarded a microbusiness license, the associated transportation license may not be used to avoid the limitations on the sale or transfer of marijuana products between microbusinesses, medical, and comprehensive facilities.

Is there a specific type of business structure I need to apply for a microbusiness license?

No. Business structures are determined by the applicant and reflect how the applicant would like the business to be structured. These structures can be sole proprietorship, S-corporation, LLC, and 501(c)(3), so long as the business structure shows the microbusiness applicant is majority owned by eligible individuals and otherwise qualifies (e.g., no disqualifying felonies). Examples of ownership structures can be found on the Application Resources page.

What if a licensee registers a business structure type with the Secretary of State that is different than what is provided in the application?

Licensees who register their business with the Secretary of State as a different business structure than what is listed in the application will be in violation of 19 CSR 100-1.100(2)(A) for failure to obtain department approval prior to transferring their license to a different entity with the same ownership and will be subject to a notice of violation.

What should an applicant consider when selecting an entity's legal name for a microbusiness application?

The entity legal name should be entered as the name intended for the licensed entity. These names should reflect the business structure type. If an applicant chooses “sole proprietor”, the business name must be the name of the eligible owner. If an applicant chooses “LLC”, they can choose their entity name.

Applicants are encouraged to check the Missouri Secretary of State’s website to verify the availability of an entity name prior to submitting.

Applicants should also consider that the entity's legal name is published on the Department’s website. This should be considered when choosing to use an applicant’s first and last name as the entity's legal name.

What are the requirements for microbusiness ownership changes following license issuance?

Licensees and potential purchasers are required to complete the necessary steps outlined in 19 CSR 100-1.100(2) prior to transferring a license or changing ownership. License transfers and changes to ownership are completed through a business change application. Microbusiness licensees submitting a business change application involving a change to ownership must also include eligibility documentation for any existing or new individual whose voting or financial interest will contribute to majority ownership. A business change application may be submitted after DCR issues its letter verifying that the licensee has passed the Minimum Standards and Eligibility Verification Review. Additionally, changes in ownership of fifty percent (50%) or more may be submitted only after the licensee’s facility has received approval to operate pursuant to 19 CSR 100-1.100(2)(C). Additional information can be found on the Department website under Business Change Applications and Facility Communications and Guidance.

Can microbusiness licenses be transferred?

Yes. A microbusiness license can be transferred. Changes to ownership amounting to fifty percent (50%) (including full asset transfers) or more may only be submitted after the licensee’s facility has received approval to operate pursuant to 19 CSR 100-1.1.100(2)(C). When changing ownership of a microbusiness license, a business change application must be submitted and approved by the department prior to any changes taking place. Change request fees are associated with a business change application. Those fees can be reviewed in the Fee Schedule located on the department’s website.

Eligibility

What are microbusiness eligibility requirements for an individual to apply for a microbusiness license?

Eligibility to apply for and obtain a microbusiness license is based on specific criteria listed in 19 CSR 100-1.190. To review more details for eligibility, visit the Eligibility Information listed on the department’s website.

What are microbusiness eligibility requirements, and do I need to meet more than one to apply?

The Missouri Constitution provides that microbusinesses must be majority-owned and operated by individuals who meet at least one of the eligibility criteria set forth in Article XIV, Section 2. These requirements are specific to microbusinesses to allow a path to facility ownership for those individuals who would not otherwise have that opportunity. Applicants may claim more than one eligibility requirement when applying for a microbusiness license; however, it is not required.

What if I do not have the requested documentation to meet an eligibility requirement? Will the division accept additional forms of proof/verification?

The applicant will be considered eligible if they submit documentation listed in 19 CSR 100-1.060(4). If you believe you are eligible, but do not have the documents listed in 19 CSR 100-1.060(4), the department may consider other proof or verification that demonstrates eligibility.

Can the department tell me whether I qualify before submitting or reviewing my application?

No. The department cannot pre-determine eligibility before reviewing the application. A microbusiness license must be majority owned and operated by individual(s) who meet at least one of the eligibility requirements set forth in Article XIV, Section 2.4(12) and 19 CSR 100-1.190(1)(B)1-5. If multiple individuals are contributing toward majority ownership, each must meet one of the eligibility requirements. Please visit the Eligibility Information page for detailed information on each eligibility requirement and required documentation.

What documentation is required to be eligible to claim a net worth of less than $250,000 and low income?

Per 19 CSR 100-1.160(4)(B)2, applicants claiming a net worth of less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) and low income must submit:

Sworn financial statements for three (3) of the last ten (10) years, each of which must show net worth of less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000). This includes all marital property, unless applicant provides evidence sufficient to demonstrate that property is not jointly owned; and

Documentation establishing that the applicant’s household adjusted gross income (AGI) was below two hundred and fifty percent (250%) of the federal poverty guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for at least three (3) of the last ten (10) years. Income for each year claimed may be established by tax returns, paycheck stubs summarizing the full income from the source for the year, W-2s, evidence of job loss, or other documentation sufficient to demonstrate gross income below two hundred and fifty percent (250%) of the federal poverty level during the applicable year.

Does the “sworn financial statement” need to be notarized for a net worth below $250,000?

Yes. A sworn financial statement is required by Department regulations and means the document must be notarized. Individuals claiming a net worth below $250,000 must submit a document listing their assets and liabilities demonstrating a net worth below $250,000. The document must be signed by the individual or the individual’s accountant (or other financial professional who is familiar with the individual’s net worth) and must be notarized (signed in the presence of a notary public). A sample form to assist with net worth calculation can be found on the Application Resources page.

For spouses who file joint taxes, how will that affect eligibility?

For those claiming eligibility under Article XIV, Section 2.4(12)(a) and per 19 CSR 100-1.060(4)(B)2, the department considers the combined net worth and household adjusted gross income of a married couple, unless the applicant provides evidence sufficient to demonstrate that property is not jointly owned.

What defines a household for the determination of adjusted gross household income for eligibility under Article XIV, Section 2.4(12)(a) and per 19 CSR 100-1.190(1)(B)1?

The department considers your household to be yourself (the eligible applicant) and your spouse if married. Currently, non-spouses, such as a boyfriend or girlfriend, are not considered as contributors toward the household income of the eligible applicant. Parents, grandparents, or legal guardians are also not considered contributors to the applicant's household income, unless the applicant is under 18 at the time of application.

How should applicants calculate 250% of the federal poverty income guidelines related to the eligibility criteria outlined in 100-1.190(1)(B)1?

First, determine the household number, which is the number of people living in the same household and being financially supported by the adjusted gross household income. Typically, this would include an individual and their spouse, children residing in the home, and any other dependents living there. This is the same as how the IRS determines household on tax returns.

To determine the qualifying poverty level, refer to the poverty guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Locate the corresponding year the eligible applicant is claiming the qualifying poverty level and use the number of individuals in the household to determine the poverty level. Multiply the determined poverty level number by 2.5. Compare the 250% poverty level number you calculate to your household income. Your household income should be lower than the 250% poverty level number to qualify.

I am claiming the eligibility criteria of net worth of less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) and low income. I work and reside in different states. Which state do I use to determine poverty level for low income?

Applicants should reference the state where they reside, not the state in which they work, to determine the applicable poverty level to establish that the applicant’s gross household income was below two hundred and fifty percent (250%) of the federal poverty guidelines. Guidelines are located on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Poverty Guidelines website. On the website, select “Spreadsheet Tool to Calculate Different Percentages of the Guidelines” to view the poverty thresholds for each year you would like to claim.

How do I establish eligibility for my (or an eligible family member’s) arrest, prosecution, or conviction for a non-violent marijuana offense?

To establish eligibility, the applicant must have been arrested, prosecuted, or convicted of a non-violent marijuana offense that occurred on or prior to December 8, 2021. When claiming eligibility of a family member, that family member must be a parent, guardian, or spouse of the applicant. A child, stepparent, or other relative’s marijuana offense does not qualify.

When reviewing your eligibility, a suspended imposition of sentence (SIS) is the result of being “prosecuted for” an offense, and a suspended execution of sentence (SES) is the result of being “convicted” of an offense. Therefore, non-violent marijuana offenses that resulted in an SIS or SES would qualify.

An individual is still considered eligible if the arrest, prosecution, or conviction was expunged.

Does an arrest, prosecution, or conviction involving the distribution of marijuana to a minor or driving under the influence of marijuana qualify?

No. An arrest, prosecution, or conviction involving the provision or distribution of marijuana to a minor or driving under the influence of marijuana does not qualify under this eligibility criteria and would not qualify the applicant to apply for a microbusiness license.

Do I need an additional background check for documentation related to eligibility under the criteria for an arrest, prosecution, or conviction of a non-violent marijuana offense if I previously submitted fingerprints to the department?

If providing a copy of the relevant FBI background check to demonstrate eligibility for a non-violent marijuana offense, the FBI background check used for eligibility must be completed separately from the FBI background check required for owners or from any previous background check submitted to the department.

I earned my GED after attending school in a district that was unaccredited at the time. Does this count toward eligibility as a microbusiness owner?

No. Article XIV, Section 2 and 19 CSR 100-1.190(1)(B)5 provide eligibility as a microbusiness owner for individuals who “graduated from a school district that was unaccredited.” The GED, HiSET, or other similar credential is a high school equivalency diploma issued by a program that is not tied to a particular school district. If you received your GED, you did not graduate from the unaccredited school district. However, you may be eligible under different criteria, such as having “lived in a zip code containing an unaccredited school district, or similar successor designation, for three of the past five years.”

How do I determine if a school district is unaccredited?

To determine if a school district is unaccredited in the state of Missouri, a list of qualifying Missouri school districts by year, provided by the Missouri Department of Secondary Education (DESE), is available on the Eligibility Information page and the Application Resources page. This list provides unaccredited school districts from 1993 to 2025. Per DESE, there were no unaccredited schools in Missouri from 2018 to 2025. Those seeking documentation prior to 1993 may contact the school district directly or the Division of Cannabis Regulation to verify the district's accreditation status. For applicants residing in a different state, the application should include data from a comparable state authority sufficient to demonstrate that the claimed school district was unaccredited at the time of the applicant’s graduation.

Facility Information

What are the congressional districts used in the application process?

Article XIV, Section 2.4(13) requires the Department to distribute licenses by the eight congressional districts in the state of Missouri, as drawn and effective December 6, 2018.

Is the congressional district based on the residential address of the applicant or the address of the proposed microbusiness facility and how do I determine my district?

Applicants must choose the congressional district of their proposed facility location. Applicants should use the DCR Location Tool to determine the correct congressional district and GPS coordinates for the proposed microbusiness facility location.

To locate the DCR Location Tool, locate the microbusiness Application Resources page and click the DCR Location Tool.

Do I need to have my facility built out prior to applying?

No. Applicants are only required to provide a proposed facility location and attest the proposed facility location complies with all the location requirements as provided in 19 CSR 100-1.100(1)(C) or local government, as applicable. Additionally, the applicant is required to provide proposed blueprints that outline the entire facility and feature all rooms and areas clearly labeled, including purpose and square footage, camera locations, limited access areas, and access permissions. Blueprint examples are available on the Application Resources page.

Are there size limits or size minimums for microbusiness licensee facilities?

Per 19 CSR 100-1.160(2)(A)1, each microbusiness wholesale facility utilizing any combination of indoor, outdoor, or greenhouse facilities will be limited to no more than two hundred fifty (250) flowering marijuana plants. The limitation in law is for flowering marijuana plants only; there is no limitation on canopy area or non-flowering marijuana plants.

Is there a timeframe to become operational after being awarded a license?

Microbusiness licensees must be operational within two (2) years after being awarded a license and passing minimum standards and eligibility review. Any licensee unable to become operational within the two (2) year period can request an extension, but there is no guarantee the extension will be granted. Licensees are required to request and pass a commencement inspection before becoming operational. The request must be submitted to the department within thirty (30) days of when the licensee believes it will begin operations.

Facility Location

What should applicants consider when selecting a location for a facility?

When selecting a location for a microbusiness facility, the applicant must ensure the location complies with the requirements in 19 CSR 100-1.060(3)(H) and 19 CSR 100-1.100(1)(C). Applicants are also responsible for complying with any local zoning or distance requirements established by the local government where the facility is proposed to be located. If, during Minimum Standards review, the division determines the proposed location does not comply with Article XIV, 19 CSR 100-1, or applicable local zoning rules, the licensee may be found in violation for failing to provide a compliant proposed facility location in their application.

Why do I need to check the local government ordinances related to microbusinesses when it’s been outlined in the department’s regulations?

In certain circumstances, a local government may prohibit the operation of all microbusiness dispensary facilities regulated under Article XIV, Section 2, from being located within its jurisdiction. It is imperative that an applicant check with the local government for any ordinances that apply to cannabis businesses before submitting a microbusiness application with a proposed facility location.

Where can I find local ordinances related to microbusiness facilities?

To find local ordinance information related to a microbusiness facility, review the online resources provided by the local government where the proposed facility will be located. You may also contact the local government directly to obtain the information.

Can I change the location of my microbusiness facility after a license is awarded?

Yes. A microbusiness licensee may change the facility location after being awarded a license. To do this, the licensee must submit a business change application to relocate its facility to a location still within the congressional district where the license was awarded. Approval must be obtained from the department prior to the licensee changing the facility location. Additional information is available on the Business Change Applications page.

Is it a requirement to have a municipal attestation regarding the suitability of the location of the facility?

No. A municipal attestation, which reflects the municipality's acknowledgment that a microbusiness facility can operate within certain guidelines or that no guidelines have been implemented, is not required by rule when seeking suitability for the facility location. The applicant must attest in the application that the proposed facility location complies with the facility location requirements. If an applicant is awarded a license, DCR will request that the licensee provide such documentation to support the licensee’s attestation. As such, applicants are encouraged to engage with local authorities when selecting a proposed location at the time of application. Please see the following FAQ for important information on what to consider when selecting a location for a microbusiness.

What if the location identified in the application is found not to be compliant with local government requirements?

Licensees whose proposed facility location does not comply with the requirements of the local government, will be in violation of 19 CSR 100-1.060(3)(H) and 19 CSR 100-1.100(4)(C) for failure to provide a proposed facility location at time of application that complies with facility location requirements of the local government and will be subject to a notice of violation, fines, or other penalties. Attesting a proposed location is compliant without ensuring compliance constitutes provision of false or misleading information in the Licensee’s application, which is cause for revocation pursuant to 19 CSR 100-1.020(3)(C).

Can multiple applicants choose the same proposed facility location? If yes, what would happen if more than one got chosen?

Yes. In the event more than one eligible applicant is selected with the same proposed address, the Department will review the circumstances and may permit one of the applicants to change location within the same congressional district or may permit the applicants to share the same location. 19 CSR 100-1.030(3)(A)3 lists the requirements for sharing space with another licensee.

Can a location be mobile, such as a bus?

No. A licensee’s facility must be located at an approved location and cannot be mobile.

Application Process

How do I apply for a microbusiness license?

Microbusiness application timeframes will be announced on the Department website, and applications will only be accepted during those designated periods. All applications must be submitted through the online registry portal. Applicants are encouraged to review the application tutorials for additional help navigating the online registry portal and for step-by-step guidance on completing and submitting a microbusiness application.

Can DCR assist me in completing my application?

DCR cannot assist applicants in completing or submitting their applications. However, DCR can assist with technical support, application issues, troubleshooting or rule clarification. The DCR team is available via phone at 866-219-0165, Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, or by email at CannabisFAS@health.mo.gov.

Is there a limit to the number of individual owners who can be listed in an application?

No. There is no limit on the number of individual owners. The individual(s) claiming majority ownership must meet one of the eligibility requirements to apply. Additionally, any individual or entity can only appear on one application in each microbusiness round. If multiple applications contain the same individual(s), all applications listing that individual will be denied.

Who can I contact if I have questions about eligibility, documents, or if I have trouble submitting my application?

Please email the Facility Application Services (FAS) Unit at CannabisFAS@health.mo.gov with any microbusiness application questions or issues with the application prior to submission of the application/submission deadline.

Are fingerprints required to be submitted as part of this application?

Yes. Fingerprints are required for any owner holding 10% or more voting or financial interest. However, through a variance to 19 CSR 1001.060(3)(K), fingerprint submissions will not be required within two weeks of application submission. Instead, the department will request fingerprints after the lottery from individuals subject to disqualifying felony offense review in top-drawn applications. The department will provide further instructions if and when they are needed.

How can I ensure my documents remain confidential/proprietary?

Applicants may inform the Department that documents contain proprietary business information by including a header in the right-hand upper corner of the document that reads “Proprietary Information.” Please visit the Proprietary Information page for more information.

How will I know if my application is complete, and what is my responsibility if the Department requires additional information?

An application is considered complete if it includes all the information and documents required in 19 CSR 100-1.060. Applicants are responsible for reviewing applications prior to submission and submitting a complete and accurate application as set out in 19 CSR 100-1. However, if an application is found to be incomplete, missing information, or additional information is required to determine eligibility during the review process, the Department will send a request to the designated contact's email address associated with the application.

Can I make corrections to my application once it’s submitted?

Once an application is submitted, applicants are unable to make any changes. Corrections are only permitted if the application is top-drawn and the department has requested additional information or corrections.

Lottery

How are microbusinesses selected?

Microbusiness licenses are selected via random lottery drawing. To ensure the integrity of the applicant selection process, the Missouri Lottery will conduct the drawing without reference to applicants' identities.

How does the lottery process work?

All timely applications submitted with the application fee will be entered into the lottery drawing. Untimely applications, or those submitted without an application fee, will be denied and will not go to lottery.

After the application submission window closes, qualifying applicants will be sorted by congressional district and license type (wholesale or dispensary) and then assigned a sequential applicant identifier within those groups. Each group will consider its own lottery set, for a total of 16 lottery drawings. All applicants will receive an email with their applicant identifier prior to being sent to lottery.

How are the lottery results made available?

The lottery drawing results will be posted to the department’s website as soon as they are available. Results will be listed by congressional district.

How are microbusiness licenses awarded after the lottery drawing?

Prior to awarding licenses, the department will review the top-drawn applications in each congressional district for each license type in the order drawn. If an application is denied or an applicant does not accept a license award, the next application drawn in that congressional district is reviewed for eligibility to receive the license. This process continues until all licenses have been awarded.

What is a top-drawn application?

Top-drawn refers to the applications that rank highest in the random lottery drawing. These applications move forward first for departmental review and may receive requests for additional information or corrections. Being top-drawn does not guarantee that an applicant will receive a license. Licenses are awarded only after the department completes its review and verifies that all requirements for holding a microbusiness license have been met.

Can I submit multiple microbusiness applications to improve my chances in the lottery?

No. An individual or entity may only be listed on one application, regardless of the amount of ownership listed in the application. This limitation ensures everyone who applies has an equal chance at a license. If an individual or entity appears on multiple applications, all applications in which an individual or entity appears will be in violation of the rule and will be denied. More information can be found in 19 CSR 100-1.190 or Article XIV Section 2.

Where is the lottery held, and when will the lottery drawing happen?

The Missouri Lottery conducts the random drawing, and the results are provided to the Division of Cannabis Regulation. The designated contact will receive an email prior to the lottery drawing containing their lottery applicant identifier. The department will announce the lottery date before the drawing.

Where can I find the results of the drawing, and what information will be provided with the drawing results?

Lottery drawing results are posted to the Department’s website as soon as they are available and will include a list of the drawing order for each congressional district and license type, including: the application ID, applicant entity name, and address of the proposed facility location for each microbusiness dispensary and microbusiness wholesale applicant. Once the subsequent review period is complete, top drawn applicants will be notified by email using the designated contact provided in the application.

How will I be notified if I am awarded/approved for a microbusiness license, and will there be a deadline to accept the license?

After the department completes review of the applications, an email is sent to the designated contact informing them of the license approval. The applicant will have 48 hours to confirm acceptance of the license, pursuant to 19 CSR 100-1.060(6)(D). Failure to accept the license within the provided time may result in deactivation of the license, and the Department may then offer a license to the next eligible applicant. All designated contacts are encouraged to monitor their email closely.

If my application was among the first drawn applications in a congressional district, does that mean I am guaranteed a license?

No. Being first drawn in a congressional district does not guarantee licensure. The Department must first conduct a review of the application to ensure eligibility.

What happens if one of the top-drawn applications selected in the drawing is determined not to meet the application requirements necessary to receive a microbusiness license?

If a top-drawn application is found not to meet the eligibility requirements, the application is denied and the next top-drawn application for the same facility type in the congressional district will be reviewed.

Why can’t the Department announce the winners immediately after the lottery drawing?

Prior to issuance, the Department is required to review top-drawn applications to determine whether applicants meet all minimum standards and eligibility requirements to hold a microbusiness license.

What might cause a top-drawn microbusiness to be denied?

Prior to issuance of a license, an applicant must be both drawn in the lottery AND meet eligibility requirements. Possible reasons for denial are listed below. This is not a complete list of reasons why a top-drawn application may not be awarded a license.

The application does not demonstrate majority ownership by eligible individuals.

An individual or applicant appears on more than one microbusiness application during the application time period.

The application is in violation of rule or Article XIV.

If my application is denied, can I apply again?

Yes. Applicants whose applications are denied may submit a new application if there are future microbusiness application timeframes.

Application Review

What is the process for ensuring that microbusiness applicants meet the eligibility requirements for ownership?

Before issuing licenses and in accordance with 19 CSR 100-1.190, the Department reviews the eligibility documentation submitted in top-drawn applications to ensure that applicants meet the requirements outlined in 19 CSR 100-1.060(4). Applicants may be permitted to submit additional documentation if needed.

This review includes a thorough examination of all materials and direct communication with each applicant to verify the accuracy and completeness of the information provided. The Department then determines whether the information sufficiently demonstrates that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria for a microbusiness license.

Additionally, the Chief Equity Officer (CEO) conducts a final review to verify that licenses have been issued only to eligible individuals. A report of this review will be made publicly available, as required under Article XIV, Section 2.4(13).

What happens if not all the required documents are submitted with a microbusiness application? Can documents be submitted after the fact?

Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete and accurate application at the time of submission. If, during the review of top-drawn applications, any documents are found to be missing or incomplete, or if additional information is needed, the Department may notify the designated contact at the email address associated with the application and provide a deadline for submitting the required materials.

If the designated contact does not provide the requested information within the specified timeframe, the application will be denied.

What is the process for verifying that individuals are not listed as having ownership interest in multiple microbusiness applications, and that owners of existing facility licenses are not listed in microbusiness applications?

The microbusiness application requires applicants to list each individual with an ownership interest along with their percentage of ownership. The Department compiles a list of names from all applications from that round of licensing and then compares this data to all individuals listed in the microbusiness applications and all owners in existing facility licenses for verification.

Why is there more than one microbusiness license listed at the same facility address?

At the time of application, applicants are only required to provide a compliant proposed facility location. The rules do not prohibit licensees from sharing space or multiple applicants from using the same proposed location.

What is Minimum Standards and Eligibility Review?

The department will review all documentation and information submitted within the application to verify the applicant is in compliance with 19 CSR 100-1 and Article XIV. During review of top drawn applications, the department may reach out to the designated contact to request documentation relevant to determining that the license is owned and operated by eligible individuals and may request additional documentation to determine eligibility. Requested documentation should support all information provided at the time of application submission.

Upon issuance of a microbusiness license, the department will conduct an additional review of each licensee for compliance with the minimum standards and eligibility for microbusiness licenses as laid out in rule and law.

Fees and Refunds

What fees are associated with microbusiness?

The microbusiness application fee and all other fees related to microbusiness licensure, such as change of location, change of ownership, and license transfer, can be found on the Fee Schedule page.

Can I receive a full refund if I’m not awarded a license?

Yes. If the Department determines you met the criteria to apply for a facility license and you have no pending or future legal actions related to the denial of your application. Per 19 CSR 100-1.060(2)(C)2, a microbusiness facility applicant not chosen by lottery may request a refund of its application fee. Refunds must be requested by the designated contact by submitting the Microbusiness Application Request form. Refund request periods will begin thirty-one (31) days after the date of the denial, but no later than six (6) months after the date of the denial. The Department will post the refund request form on the Fee Schedule page during the refund request period. Any applicant requesting a refund after six (6) months will need to complete a waiver request form and remit the $100 processing fee.

Can I request a refund after I appeal the denial of my application?

Yes, but a refund will only be issued if the appeal is dismissed. 19 CSR 100-1.060(2)(C) states that refunds will not be granted if an applicant has pending or future legal actions related to the denial of the application.

Can the department keep the application fee and put it towards the next round of microbusiness licensing?

No. The department is unable to hold an application fee and roll it over to another round of microbusiness licensing. Application fees are due at the time of application submission per 19 CSR 100-1.060(2)(C)1.

What if I no longer have access to the email address used in the application? How can I request a refund?

Applicants who no longer have access to email addresses used in the microbusiness application submission will need to contact the department at CannabisFAS@health.mo.gov for assistance. As stated in 19 CSR 100-1.060(2)(C)2, an applicant not chosen by the lottery may request a refund of its application fee, provided the request is no later than six (6) months after the date of the denial.

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