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Missouri's journey into the realm of legal cannabis has been a rollercoaster ride filled with highs and lows. While the state's cannabis industry has been making headlines, it seems that the story is far from over.
A recent development has captured the attention of both industry insiders and the public – the initiation of an audit by the state's elected auditor, Ryan Fitzpatrick, into Missouri's legal cannabis program. This investigation aims to delve into the complexities of the cannabis industry, including state and local agencies responsible for licensing, to ensure transparency and accountability in a sector estimated to be worth $1 billion.
In this comprehensive blog post, we'll explore the reasons behind this audit, the challenges faced by Missouri's cannabis industry, and why, in such a climate, medical marijuana continues to be a crucial choice for patients.
Seeking Efficiency and Transparency
Missouri's elected auditor, Ryan Fitzpatrick, a Republican, kicked off an investigation earlier this month into the state's cannabis industry. The primary focus of this audit is to scrutinize the multiple state and local agencies involved in the licensing process of marijuana businesses.
The overarching goal is to ensure that the growing billion-dollar industry is being regulated efficiently, accountably, and transparently. Auditors from Fitzpatrick's office commenced their work with a meeting held on August 2 with officials from the Department of Health and Senior Services.
This audit aligns with a campaign promise Fitzpatrick made last year, even before taking office. Back then, he voiced his opposition to an adult-use legalization initiative, which Missouri voters ultimately approved in November. He pledged to investigate the cannabis industry if elected, a promise he is now fulfilling.
Fitzpatrick's concerns, voiced during the campaign, were focused on what he referred to as "government-mandated monopoly." This concern stemmed from the initiative, which granted automatic adult-use licenses to existing medical marijuana businesses.
It is worth noting that Missouri legalized its medical marijuana market in 2018, with recreational sales commencing in February of this year. From the outset, the state limited entry into its marijuana industry by imposing a strict cap on the number of medical marijuana licenses available.
Controversies and Challenges in Missouri's Cannabis Journey
Missouri's cannabis program has been no stranger to controversy and challenges. From the beginning, the industry has been mired in disputes and legal battles. Here are some of the key issues that have plagued the state's cannabis journey:
Licensing Inconsistencies: In 2020, applicants for medical marijuana licenses raised concerns about systemic inconsistencies in how the state scored their applications.
Legal Challenges: Last year, a legal challenge to Missouri's limit of 60 licensed cultivators was dismissed in court.
Federal Intervention: Federal judges have had to intervene in certain aspects of the cannabis market, highlighting the complexities and legal ambiguities surrounding the industry.
Corruption Concerns: Even the FBI confirmed it has investigated potential corruption within Missouri's cannabis industry, further emphasizing the need for transparency and oversight.
Why Medical Marijuana Remains a Vital Choice
In the midst of Missouri's legal cannabis turbulence, medical marijuana stands out as a beacon of hope for patients seeking alternative treatments. Here's why medical marijuana continues to be a vital choice:
Patient-Centered Approach: Medical marijuana is designed to prioritize patients' needs. It offers tailored treatment plans, ensuring that individuals receive the specific care they require for their medical conditions.
Symptom Management: Medical marijuana has demonstrated its efficacy in managing a wide range of symptoms, including chronic pain, nausea, anxiety, and muscle spasms.
Quality Control: Medical cannabis products are rigorously tested and regulated, ensuring patients receive safe and effective treatments.
Legal Protection: Possessing a valid medical marijuana card grants legal protection to patients, allowing them to use medical cannabis in compliance with state laws without fear of legal consequences.
Improved Quality of Life: Many patients have experienced significant improvements in their overall quality of life, thanks to medical marijuana, regaining control over their health and well-being.
The Way Forward
As Missouri's cannabis industry undergoes scrutiny, it's essential to stay informed about developments and audit findings. Keep an eye out for updates on how the industry can be made more efficient, accountable, and transparent. This period of introspection and regulation could ultimately lead to a stronger and more reliable cannabis program in the state.
Missouri's cannabis industry is at a crossroads, with the state auditor's investigation shedding light on crucial aspects of the program. In such an environment, medical marijuana continues to be a wise and compassionate choice for patients seeking relief from various medical conditions.
As we await the outcomes of the audit and the potential changes it may bring, consider exploring the benefits of medical marijuana and its potential to improve the quality of life for you or your loved ones.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card in Missouri Today!
Although marijuana is now legal recreationally in Missouri, you should still get your medical card. If you have any questions, just give us a call!
There are so many benefits to having your medical marijuana card in a recreational state, including being responsible for less in taxes, saving at dispensaries, and higher possession laws.
If you don’t already have your medical marijuana card, we can help! Our doctors are standing by to take you through a quick and easy evaluation to see if you qualify. During your evaluation, they will be happy to answer all your questions about how cannabis may be able to help with your anxiety or any other medical conditions.
Schedule an appointment with a marijuana professional online or by giving us a call at
(877) 303-3117 to talk to a patient support representative.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Missouri Marijuana Card, our mission is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (877) 303-3117, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting the relief you can trust today!
Check out Missouri Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information.
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