Missouri’s cannabis industry didn’t just grow in 2024; it sprinted past some of the most established markets in the country. In only its second year of adult-use sales, Missouri generated $1.46 billion in total cannabis revenue, making it the 5th largest adult-use market in the United States.
Market Size and Landscape
In 2024, Missouri’s cannabis sales were distributed as follows:
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Adult-use: $1.28B (87.7%)
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Medical: $181M (12.3%)
This represents a 3% overall growth from 2023, with recreational sales rising enough to offset a decline in medical use. Missouri out-earned long-time heavyweights like Colorado ($1.41B) and Arizona ($1.27B).
Why it matters: The rapid climb is fueled by competitive pricing, a fast rollout of dispensaries, and effective conversion of consumers from the illicit market.
Product Category Breakdown
In 2024, Missouri consumers have made their preferences clear, with flower still dominating sales.
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Flower: 50% of total sales
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Vape cartridges: ~22%
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Edibles: ~14%
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Pre-rolls: ~11% (fastest-growing category, +19.5% YoY in June 2024)
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Other products: ~3% (concentrates, tinctures, beverages, etc.)
Pre-roll spotlight:
More than 5 million pre-roll units were sold in the first half of 2024, generating $73.9M in revenue. Monthly pre-roll sales in June 2024 reached $13.5M, marking a nearly 20% increase compared to June 2023.
Industry Structure and Licensing
Missouri operates under a capped-license model carried over from its medical program. As of 2024:
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Cultivation: ~60 licenses
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Manufacturing: 86 licenses
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Retail: 192 dispensary licenses
With fewer licenses and strong demand, sales per store are high and license values remain substantial, often selling for $10–$20M each. Consolidation is active, highlighted by Proper Brands’ $397M merger to expand multi-state. The top five brands hold about 27% of the market, leaving space for both multi-state operators and local independents.
Key Challenges for Missouri Operators
Price compression and competition
Wholesale flower prices fell by roughly 8% in 2024, with similar downward trends in retail. More than 190 dispensaries create intense shelf competition, prompting frequent discounting, especially in pre-rolls, which are often positioned as value products.
Regulatory overhead
Missouri enforces strict testing, tracking (METRC), and packaging rules. The September 2024 plain-packaging regulation limits branding to one background color and two logos, with prominent THC labeling. Pre-rolls require final-form testing, meaning both the flower and the crutch or paper must meet compliance standards.
Scalability and labor shortages
Adult-use demand has stretched production capacity. Skilled labor for pre-roll automation, extraction, and cultivation is limited, creating operational bottlenecks.
Opportunities Ahead
Premium and infused pre-rolls
Infused products command higher prices and account for nearly half of national pre-roll sales. Missouri brands have already seen strong demand for premium SKUs, such as “diamond dusted” cones priced at $30+ per pack. There is also potential for cannabinoid-diverse products like CBD-rich or THCV-infused blends.
Automation and efficiency gains
Upgrading to advanced pre-roll machinery and implementing data-driven production tracking can position operators as statewide suppliers and improve margins.
Brand building and cannabis tourism
Missouri’s location among prohibition states gives it a steady flow of out-of-state visitors. Brands that emphasize Missouri-grown, organic flower or unique craft-rolled products can build lasting customer loyalty.
Regulatory Highlights (2024–2025)
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Plain packaging: Effective Sept 1, 2024; limits colors and logos, requires THC diamond and “Marijuana” text
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Testing standards: Among the strictest in the country, including chromium testing for pre-rolls
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Tax rules: 6% state + up to 3% local excise tax; court ruling prevented stacking of city and county taxes
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Potential changes: On-site consumption lounges and cannabis events are being discussed
About Green Blazer
At Green Blazer, we help cultivators, manufacturers, and co-packers in Missouri and across the U.S. optimize their pre-roll operations. In partnership with RAW Rolling Papers, we provide:
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Premium cones for pre roll production
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Pre-roll automation solutions
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Same-day invoicing and shipping
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Fully insured deliveries to your warehouse, farm, lab, or retail location
📧 Contact: hannah@thegreenblazer.com
