Open Letter to Missouri Cannabis Facility Owners
Congratulations to all who were blessed enough to receive one (or many) of the coveted Cannabis licenses issued in Missouri. It took untold hours of hard work and a whole lot of money! I’ve had the opportunity to meet many of you, either at a MoCann Trade meeting, the Expo, or other trade events. Everyone was always gracious, hopeful and willing to help a fellow perspective owner.
Our company received a transportation license but were not successful with the vertical applications. Due to our passion regarding the medicinal benefits of Cannabis and our belief that we have a tremendous amount of knowledge to offer, we felt compelled to utilize the appeal process. We now understand there is a proposed amendment to lift the caps on licenses. This would allow new ownership and a tremendous amount of employment opportunities within the state! However, it has come to our attention that some are making attempts to block this opportunity. If this is true, I am shocked and dismayed!
Missourians are not greedy, selfish, desperate people! We are proud of our abilities and we encourage others to succeed. Yes, I do understand the tendency to want it all or to be afraid of the competition. However, Richard M Ebeling, Professor of Ethics and Free Enterprise Leadership at The Citadel, once said in his paper on Capitalism and Competition; “Competition is useful and, indeed, essential to the creative processes of the market.” “Market competition is the heart of the capitalist system.” He further discussed the fact that market competition liberated people and provided opportunities. As of May 1, there are over 399,000 Missourians who filed for unemployment. If the caps were lifted, as mentioned, this number could be greatly impacted!
With 3.9 million people, Oklahoma issued over 7,300 licenses. This April, they grossed over $61 million in sales. The state of Missouri has 6 million residents, with only 338 issued licenses! DHSS projected 26,000 patients signed up by 2022. Today, we are approaching 50,000. The need is great! Of what are you afraid? There is plenty for all! We supported you and prayed for you along with ourselves. Don’t stand in the way of our opportunity and the ability to deliver a vast array of products to deserving patients in our state. Some facilities will succeed and others will fail…however…if you have a great product and a good delivery system, you will prevail! If you don’t, it doesn’t matter how many competitors are in the market! Share!