Branson to welcome new medical cannabis dispensary

The unofficial designation of southwest Missouri as a medical cannabis hub is taking further hold with the grand opening of the state’s newest dispensary today near Table Rock Lake.

Thrive Branson West, the company’s first Missouri retail location, opens its doors at 10 a.m., with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday. Please join us at 18490 Business Highway 13, Branson West, Missouri. More information, including hours of operation, available products, and store directions, can be found at www.thrive-mo.com.

The Stone County location is the first of two retail outlets slated for the Missouri medical cannabis market. The company currently operates four medical cannabis dispensaries across southern Illinois.

Nearly 139,000 Missouri patients have been approved as medical marijuana cardholders by the state Department of Health and Senior Services, along with nearly 5,000 medical cannabis workers. Medical cannabis sales in Missouri include an additional 4% sales tax, with the proceeds dedicated toward veterans’ health and care services.

The department has licensed 349 facilities across the state to cultivate, manufacture, test and dispense medical marijuana safely to Missouri patients. The medical marijuana program, which was approved by 66% of Missouri voters on the November 2018 ballot, has already generated more than $113 million in tax revenue to the state of Missouri through August.