St. Louis officials have approved a plan to extend marijuana dispensary and retail outlet hours throughout the city. On Friday, the Board of Aldermen voted to allow such stores to remain open until 10 p.m., seven days a week.
The proposal was introduce by Alderman Rasheen Aldridge. Prior to the board’s vote, Aldridge noted the financial benefits since recreational marijuana became legal, with the city currently generating $2.4 million in annual revenue.
“Hopefully, extending hours to 10 p.m. will increase that amount, while also making St. Louis more competitive with the county,” Aldridge said.
City officials are also expected to vote soon on a plan to allow marijuana drive-thrus.
Missouri voters legalized recreational marijuana in 2022, and licensed retail outlets began operating in February 2023. The law allows adults 21 and older to possess up to three ounces of marijuana and grow up to six plants for personal use. Recreational marijuana is taxed at 6%, in addition to the state’s 4.2% sales tax, while medical marijuana, approved by voters in 2018, remains exempt from the 6% tax but still subject to the standard sales tax. Local governments can impose an additional tax of up to 3%.
