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 The Cannabis Connection - April 2026
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Welcome to The Cannabis Connection Newsletter and our refreshed format!
As the old saying goes, sometimes “less is more.” You’ll notice shorter articles and more concise content—designed to make the newsletter easier to read and more user‑friendly.
No matter the format, it will continue to be your information link to the Division of Cannabis Regulation (DCR).
In this issue:
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The Division of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) has received questions from licensees regarding educational warnings. Licensees are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable rules and requirements from the time licensure is granted. DCR has long used education as an alternative to notices of violation whenever appropriate. What is new is that DCR has now established a standard, written format for these communications to promote consistency and clarity.
Educational warnings are non-disciplinary in nature and are specifically intended to document identified noncompliance, even when no enforcement action is taken and when the issue is corrected immediately. The term “warning” is outlined in rule in 19 CSR 100-1.030(4) in connection with initial notices of violation. Educational warnings are intended to assist licensees in resolving minor compliance issues by clearly identifying the applicable rule, outlining required remedial actions, and providing a reasonable timeframe to come into compliance. Licensees should expect to receive educational warnings for rule violations that do not rise to an initial notice of violation or other action.
DCR is developing a guide related to the violation process and other disciplinary actions, so licensees are aware of expectations when receiving a notice from the division.
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By Rieka Yu, Director, Office of Policy and Research
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Rule
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Description
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Status
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19 CSR 100-1.060 and 19 CSR 100.190
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Microbusiness
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Published in the Missouri Code of State Regulations on April 30, 2026, and will be effective on May 30, 2026.
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19 CSR 100-1.200
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Research License
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This proposed rule will be available in the May 1, 2026, issue of the Missouri Register and will be available for public comment until May 31, 2026.
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19 CSR 100-1.070 and 19 CSR 100-1.100
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Revisions to Owners and Generally
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Draft revision were posted for informal stakeholder feedback in the beginning of March. The division is currently reviewing and making changes to rules based on stakeholder feedback.
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19 CSR 100-1.180
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Draft amendment to include curbside services
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Not approved for filing with the Secretary of State
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By: Jennifer Zamkus, Director, Section for Compliance and Enforcement
Bruce Dooley - Manager, Bureau of Facility Compliance
We always want licensees staying in the green. 420 is a big day in the cannabis world that takes a lot of preparation for licensees. When planning to launch or participate in 420 events, it is important to ensure that the event is held compliantly. The first thing to remember is that rules (19 CSR 100-1) apply during an event just as they do any other day. To help with your planning, we have highlighted a few key points and regulations to keep in mind in the button below.
This is not a comprehensive list of compliance areas that must be met before scheduling and holding a facility event or giving away marijuana product. Licensees must also know and comply with all applicable local regulations.
Licensees should reach out to their compliance officer or CannabisCompliance@health.mo.gov for any specific questions.
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By Rieka Yu, Director, Office of Policy and Research
DCR, via contract with Cannabis Public Policy Consulting, is requesting information from licensees through a survey as a part of the market and economic impact study. The survey will ask for information about staffing, financial, and other business activities. Designated contacts should expect emails regarding this survey from DCR.
The survey will help DCR with the consideration of listing or easing limits on the number of licenses issued to meet the state’s marijuana demand and maintain a competitive market while avoiding too many marijuana facilities in any local area as required by Article XIV, Section 2.4(2). DCR asks that all licensees complete the survey so that DCR can make policy decisions based on real and reliable data. The survey will not collect unique identifying information, and only aggregated data will be publicly reported.
For questions about the survey you may contact Rieka at Rieka.Yu@health.mo.gov
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Jessica Walters
Regulatory Auditor Supervisor
Hello! My name is Jessica Walter, but I mostly go by Jessi. I began working at the Division of Cannabis Regulation in June 2023. Originally hired as a Regulatory Auditor with the Facility Application Services Team, I was promoted to Regulatory Auditor Supervisor in June 2024 and later to FAS Manager in November 2025.
I hold a Bachelor's degree from Lincoln University in Business Administration and a Master's degree from Wichita State University in Health Administration. When I first started college, my goal was to become a nurse. With a slight pivot, I decided to pursue my degree more behind the scenes of health care and not directly on the frontline.
At the time I was hired, medical licenses had just been converted roughly 4 months prior, and Microbusiness was on the horizon. This led to a lot of exciting and new work to be done. And what a wonderful journey it has been. From seeing the impact of legalizing adult use to witnessing the first Microbusiness license be issued, it has been a whirlwind of opportunity and learning that has made working at DCR so enjoyable.
While there is a lot to say about the work that goes on here at DCR, I owe a lot to my team and those around me. Hands down, this is a wonderful environment to be in. We have so many like-minded individuals whose main goal is to make this division a success while still caring about those around them. It is always so great to see others lifting each other up in good times and bad. The combination of these elements really lends itself to why I believe DCR is such a warm and inviting place to be part of.
Outside of work, my main pride and joy in life is my son, who keeps me busy most of the time. The other part of my time is spent caring for our various animals, which currently includes a dog, two cats, fish and frogs. Although if my son had it his way, we’d probably have a new cat added to the clan each week.
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Megan Bailey
Track and Trace Unit Supervisor
My name is Megan Bailey, and I am the Track and Trace Unit Supervisor with the Division of Cannabis Regulation. I have been building the team since being hired in late 2023. Now consisting of 4 members, the team reviews data for anomalies and assists the Division in understanding it. We also assist in understanding how processes and products in cannabis facilities are tracked in the Metrc system.
Previously, I worked in the cannabis industry in Colorado. Starting back in 2011, I began working in ground-level positions and worked my way up to titles including Cultivation Facilities Manager, Corporate Manager, and Chief Operating Officer. I also held a social equity license in Colorado and was working towards opening a hospitality business before moving to Missouri. This experience has given me the knowledge to understand just how important cannabis regulation is and how it benefits consumers and patients.
When I am not at work, you can find me spending hours in the kitchen cooking and baking, outside gardening, spending time with my fiancé, two teenage boys and four dogs; and taking as many road trips as I can.
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Check out our monthly podcast
to hear about what's happening
around DCR! If you have a topic
that you would like us to feature reach out to Tara McKinney at
Tara.McKinney@health.mo.gov.
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