Missouri's Cannabis Advocacy Landscape

Missouri's path from medical legalization (2018) to a $1.5 billion constitutionally protected recreational market was driven by a coalition of advocacy groups, industry associations, and grassroots organizations. That same ecosystem continues to shape cannabis policy through engagement with the Division of Cannabis Regulation, legislative advocacy, and community building.

MoCannTrade

Type: Cannabis Trade Association (300+ members) | Executive Director: Andrew Mullins

Website: mocanntrade.org

MoCannTrade is Missouri's largest cannabis trade association with over 300 members across the supply chain. The organization provides legislative advocacy, compliance education, networking events, and policy development. MoCannTrade has been the most influential industry voice in shaping Missouri's cannabis regulations since the medical program launched.

Missouri NORML

Type: Policy Reform | Chair: Dan Viets

Website: missourinorml.org

Missouri NORML is the state chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, led by longtime cannabis attorney Dan Viets. Viets has been a central figure in Missouri cannabis law for decades, including vocal criticism of the Missouri Supreme Court's narrowing of automatic expungement (calling it "judicial activism"). Missouri NORML continues to advocate for expanded consumer rights, expungement reform, and sensible regulation.

Regional NORML Chapters

• Greater St. Louis NORML — focused on the STL metro area
• Northwest Missouri NORML — covering the KC region and NW Missouri

New Approach Missouri / Legal Missouri 2022

Type: Ballot Initiative Campaign | Campaign Manager: John Payne

New Approach Missouri and its campaign arm Legal Missouri 2022 were the organizations behind Amendment 3, the 2022 constitutional amendment that legalized recreational cannabis with 53% voter support. John Payne managed the campaign that brought constitutional protection, the microbusiness program, and automatic expungement to Missouri.

Show-Me Cannabis

Type: Grassroots Advocacy

A grassroots organization that has advocated for cannabis reform in Missouri for over a decade, focusing on public education, community organizing, and legislative engagement at the local level.

Marijuana Policy Project (MPP)

Type: National Policy Organization

Website: mpp.org

MPP supported Missouri's legalization efforts and continues to advocate for federal cannabis policy reform. The organization provides policy analysis, model legislation, and strategic support to state-level campaigns.

Industry Media & News

Greenway Magazine

Website: mogreenway.com

Missouri's premier cannabis industry publication. Greenway covers market trends, regulatory updates, dispensary profiles, brand features, and maintains the most comprehensive events calendar for Missouri cannabis. Essential reading for anyone tracking the industry.

Patients Magazine

Focused on the medical cannabis community, providing patient-oriented content, treatment guidance, and medical program updates.

Missouri Independent

Website: missouriindependent.com

Non-partisan journalism outlet that has provided thorough investigative coverage of Missouri's cannabis program, particularly the microbusiness program crisis, expungement challenges, and legislative developments.

Cannabis Events & Festivals

Missouri has a robust calendar of cannabis events:

MOCANNAFEST

Location: Lake of the Ozarks | History: Entering its 17th year

Missouri's longest-running cannabis festival. MOCANNAFEST combines industry networking, consumer education, live entertainment, and cannabis culture in the Lake of the Ozarks resort area.

Mid-Mo Canna Expo & Hash Cup

Location: Columbia

A cannabis industry expo featuring the Mid-Mo Hash Cup competition, where Missouri's best concentrates and flower are judged. A showcase for the state's craft cannabis culture.

Canna~Palooza

Location: Osage Beach (Lake of the Ozarks area)

A cannabis festival in the Lake of the Ozarks region combining entertainment, vendor exhibits, and cannabis education.

Croptoberfest

Location: Urich

A harvest-season cannabis festival with a small-town rural atmosphere. Celebrates Missouri's agricultural cannabis heritage.

MJ Unpacked

Location: St. Louis | Scale: 1,000+ industry leaders (Nov 2024 edition)

A national-level cannabis industry conference that chose St. Louis as a host city, bringing over 1,000 industry leaders for networking, panels, and deal-making.

Get Involved

Missouri's cannabis market is constitutionally protected but still evolving. The DCR holds regular public proceedings, the legislature considers cannabis-related bills each session, and the microbusiness program is being reformed. These organizations offer multiple pathways to stay informed and participate.