Missouri’s Cannabis Programs Under Audit for Accountability and Transparency

LOS ANGELES– Missouri’s Auditor, Scott Fitzpatrick, has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the state’s medical and adult-use cannabis programs. The probe, as reported by KCTV, aims to ensure that these programs are operating within legal parameters and maintaining transparency.

The scope of the audit will span five years, starting from 2018 and culminating on June 30, 2023.

Missouri voters greenlit a constitutional amendment in November 2018 to legalize medical cannabis. This momentum continued, leading to the approval of another amendment in 2022, which legalized adult-use cannabis.

Fitzpatrick, in a statement to KCTV, emphasized the significance of these programs. He noted, “The medical and recreational marijuana programs… are responsible for establishing a new industry in our state which has already generated more than $1 billion in sales.” He further highlighted the vast reach of these programs, which govern numerous cannabis facilities across Missouri. These facilities cater to hundreds of thousands of residents annually, cultivating and selling cannabis products.

Given the profound impact of these programs on the state, Fitzpatrick stressed the importance of a meticulous assessment. He stated, “Considering the enormous impact they have had on our state, it’s important that we conduct a thorough assessment of these programs to ensure they are operating in a manner that is efficient, accountable, and transparent.”

The Auditor also pointed out the monumental nature of the cannabis legalization amendments. They stand as some of the most significant modifications to the state’s constitution in recent times. In fact, the language from these amendments now constitutes over one-fifth of the state’s constitution.

This audit is particularly timely. Missouri is on the cusp of licensing its inaugural batch of microbusinesses. Additionally, there have been recent concerns, including the recall of over 63,000 products that were not adequately tracked in the state’s seed-to-sale inventory system. This incident underscores the need for a thorough review to ensure that the state’s cannabis industry operates with the highest standards of accountability and transparency.