The Missouri Cannabis Regulation Collaborative was announced on Tuesday, offering operators of cannabis businesses in the state a unique platform to share their ideas. The collaborative aims to bring together individuals from different backgrounds and levels of experience within the cannabis industry, regardless of the size or type of their business. To be eligible for membership, applicants must hold ownership or leadership positions within licensed cannabis businesses.
The collaborative will focus on a range of topics related to the cannabis market in Missouri, including potential federal rescheduling of marijuana and revisions to the Farm Bill. Tara McKinney, public outreach director with the Division of Cannabis Regulation, emphasized the importance of collaboration between licensees and regulators to strengthen relationships and promote problem-solving.
Those interested in applying can do so during the open application period, which runs from Tuesday until June 18. Applications will be reviewed by staff from both the Division of Cannabis Regulation and the Department of Health and Senior Services before selection is made for up to 30 members for two-year terms. Selected members will be required to attend two in-person workshops in Jefferson City each year and participate in six virtual meetings per year, as well as engage in additional work between meetings as needed. While a specific timeline for formation has not been established yet, McKinney expressed hope that the first meeting will take place sometime this summer.
The collaboration will provide an opportunity for licensees to provide input on the industry in Missouri and contribute towards its success. It is expected that members will bring a diverse range of experiences and perspectives, allowing for productive discussions that can benefit both licensees and regulators alike.
The application form is available online through the Division of Cannabis Regulation website along with more information about how to apply.
Overall, this collaborative initiative could prove beneficial for Missouri’s cannabis industry by fostering stronger relationships between stakeholders, promoting problem-solving and knowledge sharing among its members.
In conclusion, it is important for those involved in the Missouri cannabis industry to have a platform where they can share their ideas and work together towards a common goal. This collaborative initiative could lead to significant progress in shaping policies that would benefit everyone involved.
As such, it is crucial that interested individuals apply early enough during this open application period so that they don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to contribute towards making Missouri’s cannabis industry thrive.