This is a more accessible option, especially for those who have physical disabilities.
By Rebecca Rivas, Missouri Independent
Missouri marijuana dispensaries will soon be allowed to provide curbside pickup in addition to their drive-through service and deliveries, both of which are permitted by state law.
On Tuesday, the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation released a draft of an amendment that would allow dispensaries to accept curbside pick-ups. The division is now asking the public for feedback before October 28.
Mark Hendren is the president of Flora Farms. He said that the new service would benefit his three dispensaries, which do not currently have drive-thrus. Flora Farms’ five other locations have already installed drive-thrus.
Hendren explained that “when a client comes in, they must physically leave the building and enter the facility to go through the check-in procedure.” Hendren said that for customers who are physically disabled, the process is difficult.
Customers would be able to pay online, and no cash will need to leave the location of pickup. It would require the same type of video surveillance and recording as is currently used in drive-through lanes.
Draft law requires dispensaries to put up a notice that reads: “It’s illegal to operate dangerous devices, such as motor vehicles, airplanes, and motorboats, while you are under the influences of marijuana.”
The draft released Tuesday is not part of a formal rulemaking process, according to a press release by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, which oversees the division.
In the release, it states that “this is part of DHSS’ ongoing efforts” to obtain all pertinent inputs before formally submitting any proposed rules or changes to existing rules.
It states that the proposed amendment is intended to improve operations of cannabis licensees by “offering more accessibility for consumers and medical patients as well as primary caregivers, especially those who have physical disabilities.”
The rule and online suggestion forms can be found on the DHSS Pre-Rulemaking Feedback page.
First published in Missouri Independent.