Missouri officially joined the adult-use club early this morning, as state officials gave the green light to recreational sales three days ahead of schedule.
This marks the fastest vote-to-sale time in legal cannabis history. Missouri voters approved adult-use legalization on the Nov. 8, 2022, ballot. Less than three months later, local residents lined up to sample the goods.
Sales were expected to begin on Monday, Feb. 6, but yesterday afternoon state regulatory officials said they would allow adult-use sales to start on Friday morning at 196 operating medical marijuana dispensaries.
That caused some confusion, as it remained unclear whether all stores would be ready to serve non-medical customers over the weekend.
A number of stores were vying for “first sale” bragging rights. The Good Day Farm store in Independence recorded its first sale (photo above) at 8:12 a.m.
Leafly will continue to follow today’s opening as it rolls on across the state.
Congratulations, Missouri!
CONGRATULATIONS MISSOURI We have the Greenlight to open adult use TODAY. We have added our medical patient (& Founders Club) line on the salesfloor, in store kiosks, Grab & Go pick up windows, and drive thru enhancments.
Coloradans have until 4:20 p.m. on Saturday to bid for the rights to cannabis-themed license plates in a state auction.
The annual auction features 10 phrases, including 420, COHEMP, HASHISH, HILIFE, REEFER, among others. Proceeds from the auction will go toward grants and state programs to support people with disabilities.
Since the auction launched in 2021, the state has raised more than $96,000, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
The global cannabis liberation movement took several steps forward this 4/20 with German cannabis legalization. But the specifics look like baby steps up close.
German smokers and tourists can partake of a more legal relaxed atmosphere that began April 1 countrywide. The country’s leaders have all but stopped adjudicating people for benign cannabis use or possession. But don’t expect stores, or smoky clubs any time soon. Instead, get ready to get cannabis covered by your insurance.
1) German legalization isn’t as liberal as legalization in the States.
“Certainly, there’s excitement about German ‘legalization.’ I put it in air quotes, because many don’t believe it’s full legalization because there is no market set up for consumers to purchase cannabis,” said Leafly CEO Yoko Miyashita, who keynoted the first day of the event April 16.
Locals describe “decrimin plus.” You can grow 3 plants at home and social clubs will start, but they’ll be pretty tame at first—no smoking together.
Dream on, Germany
How to order weed delivery online with Leafly
2) Medical cannabis just won, big-time.
In the two weeks since legalization, the volume of requests for cannabis prescriptions has increased significantly. As stigma falls, patients come out of hiding for their safe and effective botanical drug.
“Medical will be big in Germany,” said Miyashita. “What Germany has going is that ‘medical’ truly means it’s part of the healthcare system, with reimbursement from insurance and distribution through the pharmacies. Doctors will be able to prescribe this broadly.”
Patients report the compounds in cannabis can help with a variety of conditions.
3) The consumer knowledge gap is real.
Plenty of older folks still think weed is dangerous. Germany is going to be at Day One for questions like ‘What is THC?’, when do edibles kick in?, what’s one ‘dose’ of weed?, ‘what can I use this for?’, and the differences between eating versus vaping.
“I would reiterate the continuous need for educating consumers!” said Miyashita.
4) Germany is the domino
As the economic powerhouse of Europe, German decriminalization will trigger changes in neighboring states and countries. Germany is the heavyweight of the European Union—which has similarities to the United States’ federal government.
Like New Yorkers going to New Jersey (but legal!), the EU allows frictionless movement between member states, and with it, cultural change. The Czech Republic, for example, has reforms planned.
5) Expect many more details to emerge from the haze
More regulations will come down this summer, promising local restrictions regulations for social growing clubs and flavors of decriminalization. Berlin could see a cannabis golden age. The south of Germany might move slower.
Bottom line: Germany just became a safe spot for pot in Europe
Time to visit their beer fests, and reggae festivals, and sightsee Germany’s multi-thousand-year history—it’s safe for stoners to touchdown in Deutschland. Link up with your peers, and keep the flame of cannabis culture lit.
For more, listen to our interview with ICBC director and European local Alex Rogers
The presidential campaign is in full swing – but why should it interrupt friend and family gathers…here are the best tips to managing different politicalperspectives.
With the presidential race heating up and the country seemingly divided, how can you hang with the people you have known who might have a different political perspectives. Patience, grace and planning can make it a bit easier. Here are some tips on to manage warring political conversations at events.
First, think and understand people are different than you and rarely do people all have the exact same opinions. Also think why you are gathering, what is the purpose and is it more about
When it comes to your boundaries, don’t mince words. If you know yourself and feel you won’t be able to engage in a discussion regarding politics without become heated, let other people know that you won’t be talking politics. If you want to have a discussion with someone, try to be the person you’d like to have a discussion with, taking turns to listen and talking while measuring your words and not being insulting.
Plan ahead
If you are organizing an event, think about why you are pulling people together. If it a birthday, to celebrate a happy occasion or a good catch up, think of the guests and how they will interact. Taking the time beforehand and sharing behavior no-nos like yelling, dominating a conversion, snide comments or bullying tactics will not be accepted. Recognize people are being invited to something enjoyable, not a cage match.
If you’re having a conversation and it starts to get heated, state your discomfort. Try to avoid awkwardness and instead push for being as sincere as you can. Your response will vary depending on the person you’re talking to; if speaking to a coworker, try to change the subject or state that you’re not in the mood for politics. When speaking to friends and family, you can try a more honest approach.
Know when to end a conversation
The more you’re exposed to different kinds of people, the more you learn how to read their physical and verbal cues. Be aware of them, so when the conversation turns heated, change the course. Election eve might be too late to change someone’s mind, especially if they have strong political views. Save yourself the stress and try to preserve that relationship if it’s important to you.
Have an open mind
Photo by Christin Hume via Unsplash
It’s always important to have a discussion with an open mind; try to understand why this person thinks the way they do. This doesn’t mean that you have to agree with them, but it can help you have a more civilized conversation, ensuring that the relationship won’t be lost due to the heat of the moment. Empathy can go a long way.
When it comes to your boundaries, don’t mince words. If you know yourself and feel that you won’t be able to engage in a discussion regarding politics without screaming, let other people know that you won’t be talking politics. If you want to have a discussion with someone, try to be the person that you’d like to have a discussion with, taking turns to listen and talking while measuring your words and not being insulting.
