Missouri Health Officials May Ban State Cash Payments by Medical Cannabis Companies

The Missouri Department of Health issued a proposal to ban medical cannabis companies in the state from paying taxes, fees, and penalties using cash. The proposal, which can be viewed here, indicates that the Department of Health and Senior Services is authorized to promulgate rules for the enforcement of Article XIV, and the rule provides provisions necessary for ensuring safe, efficient, and economical payment of taxes, fees, and penalties.

Further, the proposal indicates that all applicants for medical marijuana facility licenses or certificates, and all licensed or certified medical marijuana facilities, must pay fees, penalties, or taxes to the state in methods normally acceptable by the state agencies, other than in cash.

Lisa Cox, a spokesperson for the Department of Health, shared with 41 Action News that cash payments in large amounts pose challenges for state agencies and creates safety issues for employees of medical marijuana facilities. In addition, she added that she agency has done with all of its rules, it has placed this one out for public comment to hear from the public as to whether they have concerns with the proposal and if so, what those concerns are. The emergency rules have not been filed, and the department will consider all of the comments before determining whether to file it.

Jack Cardetti, a spokesperson for the Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association, also shared in the news report that the marijuana industry still has an issue of banking access and it is one of the most difficult things. He also called the rule cut and dry – businesses cannot pay their taxes and fees, even though they are legal and cash is a legal tender.