New York consulting firm to evaluate Missouri’s marijuana market

Missouri regulators have awarded New York-based Cannabis Public Policy Consulting a $238,700 contract to study the state’s marijuana market.

The economic impact study will help the state’s Division of Cannabis Regulation determine whether to award additional cannabis business licenses, how many, where and what type, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).

The DHSS has issued nearly 400 licenses for cultivation, manufacturing facilities and retailers, according to the Missouri Independent.

Eventually, the state also will authorize 144 microbusiness licenses to benefit disadvantaged business owners, the news outlet reported.

If the study determines the state should issue additional cannabis licenses, at least half must be awarded to microbusiness facilities that have been operational for at least a year.

The study also will evaluate the economic stability of Missouri’s regulated marijuana market, with a focus on economically distressed areas in the state.

Cannabis Public Policy Consulting beat out two other applicants: St. Louis-based Capital Consulting Services and Oregon-headquartered Whitney Economics.

Missouri reported $1.46 billion in recreational and medical marijuana sales in 2024, the state’s second year with an adult-use market.