Amid a voter-driven push to legalize adult use cannabis, Revolution is on the verge of entering Missouri on May 20, adding a fifth state to its portfolio, when the Chicago-based multi-state cannabis operator opens a new medical dispensary in Sunrise Beach.
“Missouri has a vibrant and growing cannabis culture that is perfect for Revolution. People value their personal rights to use and that is most important to use,” said Dusty Shroye, President and COO. “We look forward to becoming an integral part of our new community and bringing world-class products to Missouri’s medical cannabis patients.”
Revolution, the first medical dispensary to operate in Illinois in 2015, will open its eighth store nationally, with other locations in Maryland, Arkansas and Florida. The Missouri location will be near the Lake of the Ozarks, a popular tourist destination in the state that would attract regional customers, according to Shroyer.
Revolution comes at an opportune time in Missouri as several activists and lawmakers are devising ways to expand legalization recreationally throughout the state. Shroyer said that the state’s cannabis culture was alluring to the company, as well as the state’s changing politics around it.
Legal Missouri, a ballot initiative driven by medical cannabis representatives and activists, has now crossed over 385,000 signatures to bring recreational use and a wealth of reforms to Missouri later this November. The campaign raised $1.4 million and has the backing of several prominent industry insiders.
These reforms include allowing Missourians 21 and older to possess, consume, purchase, and cultivate cannabis, create a pathway for expungement, and add a minimum of 144 licensed facilities – ranging from dispensaries to growing sites – reserved for social equity applicants.
A legislative alternative to Legal Missouri’s petition, HB2704, was also proposed by Republican Rep. Ron Hicks, with 20 bipartisan co-sponsors, including Republican Rep. Shamed Dogan, who filed similar legislation and Democratic Rep. Ashley Bland-Manlove. However, the measure stalled on the House floor after Rep. Hicks withheld the measure for a vote.
The grand opening for the 10,000 square foot dispensary will take place on May 20 at 23 Spring Cove Road in Sunrise Beach with food trucks, giveaways, a raffle, and entertainment including live music, visual artists, a glassblower and a psychic.
