Cannabis legalization has become a hot topic for legislation in the country. Every state has rotational ballots deciding whether to retain or amend marijuana laws. Missouri is no different, as new laws are changing the cannabis landscape in the state.
For weed users in St. Louis, it’s essential to know the laws that have recently passed and how they will affect your cannabis buying and consumption. This article will give you a comprehensive breakdown of the weed laws that apply so you can enjoy your favorite products with peace of mind and armed with the latest knowledge.
Here’s everything you need to know about weed legality in St. Louis.
Weed Is Legal in St. Louis
While medical cannabis has been legal since 2018, the state of Missouri legalized recreational weed in November 2022 thanks to a ballot initiative that passed the Missouri Constitutional Amendment 3. Recreational sales officially began in February 2023.
This means if you are an adult aged 21 years and older in St. Louis, you are legally allowed to possess, consume, and buy weed in St. Louis from a retail dispensary within limits. The law applies to both medical and recreational cannabis. This includes smoking, ingestion, paraphernalia, accessories, and other non-smoking weed products in your home.
Weed Is Still Illegal Under Federal Law
As with all legalized states and cities, weed is still illegal under US federal law, where it’s classified as a Schedule I drug. As such, weed is only legal at a state level where you are permitted to use, buy, and possess it in St. Louis. It also means you can’t cross state lines with your weed and travel outside of Missouri with it.
Additionally, as a weed consumer, it’s vital to remember that it’s illegal to use marijuana on federal properties in St. Louis. These are government buildings, land, monuments, and historic sites owned by the federal government. Only use weed in your private home.
Weed Buying and Possession Has Limitations
While recreational weed is now legal in St. Louis, the amount you can buy in a single purchase is limited. Adults over the age of 21 are legally allowed to buy and possess up to three ounces of weed in a single purchase, which is equal to 84 grams.
You can mix and match different products such as pre-rolls, edibles, flower, and vape carts until it reaches that maximum. Fortunately, when you buy weed products online or in person, a credible weed store with budtenders or an online shop will add up your amount to make sure you don’t exceed this amount. Keep in mind that this legal weed can only be consumed and possessed privately in your home and not in public.
Buying Weed from a St. Louis Dispensary Is Legal
The legalization of weed in Missouri allows you to buy from a local weed dispensary in St. Louis. Before entering a retail weed shop, you will need to show your government-issued ID to prove you are 21 years or older. Then you can legally enjoy the wide variety of weed products offered by the city’s many high-quality stores.
Furthermore, buying online and weed delivery from a recreational dispensary is also legal in St. Louis. Qualifying patients with a medical cannabis card are only permitted to buy medical cannabis from a dispensary licensed by the Department of Health and Senior Services or DHSS. Thus, you can expect licensed dispensaries in St. Louis to sell both recreational and medical cannabis.
Out-of-State Residents Can Buy Weed
If you’re planning to move or visit St. Louis and don’t want to give up your weed consumption, you’re in luck. Outside state visitors and residents are legally allowed to buy, possess, and consume weed from a dispensary for the duration of your stay.
This only applies to recreational weed, however, as the state of Missouri doesn’t participate in the medical cannabis reciprocity from other states. That said, if you’re visiting St. Louis, make sure all your weed is finished and any remains discarded before you leave for your home state, irrespective of whether your state has legalized weed. This is because crossing state lines with weed is unlawful.
Weed Cultivation Is Legal
Along with the legal right to buy, possess, and consume weed in St. Louis, you’re also allowed to cultivate recreational cannabis. However, these come with their restrictions too. Adults aged 21 years and older can grow six flowering cannabis plants, six non-flowering plants, and six clone plants.
If you want to grow cannabis plants for recreational use, you must also register with the state of Missouri and pay a $100 annual fee as tax. Moreover, cultivation is only allowed on your private priority and out of public view. So it must be hidden away where neighbors and people walking down the streets can’t see it.
Conclusion
Weed is legal in St. Louis, Missouri as of November 2022, with sales beginning in 2023. Thus adults aged 21 years and older can buy, possess, and use medical and recreational marijuana in St.Louis on private property.
This law allows adults to buy weed from recreational dispensaries with an ID for medical cannabis. Legalization comes with limitations, as you can only buy up to three ounces of weed in one purchase. You are permitted to grow weed at home once you register with the state and keep it out of public view. These are the latest legalization laws that apply to St. Louis.