August’s legal marijuana sales in Missouri set a new monthly record.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, there was a $111 worth of recreational marijuana sold via legal outlets in August, in addition to $15.15 worth of medical marijuana sold. The combined $126.15 million breaks the previous monthly high of $125 million set in March.
The year-to-date total is now approximately $950 million, with all-time sales standing at $2,904,540,000.
In 2023, there was $1.3 billion in legal marijuana sales, resulting in over $130 million in tax revenue.
Missouri voters legalized recreational marijuana in 2022, and licensed retail outlets began operating in February 2023. The law permits adults 21 and older to possess up to three ounces of marijuana and cultivate up to six plants for personal use. Missouri’s medical marijuana program, approved by voters in 2018, opened its first dispensaries in October 2020.
Recreational marijuana is taxed at 6%, in addition to the state’s 4.2% sales tax. Medical marijuana is exempt from the 6% tax but still subject to the standard sales tax. Local governments can also impose an additional city tax of up to 3%.
Starting September 1, the marijuana industry must follow new regulations for marijuana packaging. Under the new rules, marijuana packaging must adhere to strict guidelines: only one primary color is allowed, with the option of incorporating up to two logos or symbols in different colors.
Last month the Western District of the Missouri Court of Appeals ruled that convictions for THC possession must be expunged, just the same as marijuana-related convictions.
