The Missouri chapters of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) held their semi-annual Missouri NORML Fall Conference on October 12, 2019 in St. Louis. More than 200 attended the local event at Innovation Hall, 4220 Duncan Ave., St. Louis, MO in the heart of the Cortext Innovation District.

Local organizers with Greater St. Louis NORML chapter chose the venue because Missouri’s new high-tech agricultural-based industry is a valuable addition to Missouri’s growing technological economy. Medical cannabis in Missouri will create new jobs and tax revenue that will benefit the entire state, while also increasing the demand for trained technicians and bio-scientists experienced in advanced genetics and controlled environment agriculture.

The main focus was education and information for Medical Marijuana Patients, Caregivers, and Home Cultivators. The end of medical marijuana prohibition in Missouri has increased the interest of Missouri patients who may be unsure of their new rights and how medical cannabis will fit into their medical treatment regimens.

The NORML Fall Conference brought in renowned national speakers from the National NORML office. Kevin Mahmalji, NORML Outreach Coordinator was the afternoon keynote and Jenn-Michelle Pedini, NORML Development Director talked about family protection under cannabis legalization laws.

DHSS Patient Services Director Erica Ziegler, the morning keynote speaker, provided a much anticipated report on final licensing aprovals for dispensaries, commercial cultivators, and manufacturing faculties. More than 13,000 Missourians have been physician-certified and approved to receive a Medical Marijuana ID Card, yet many more want to learn how to qualify.

Ziegler presented an overview of the process and the specifics about how to be a legally compliant patient, caregiver or home cultivator. Many speakers throughout the day helped attendees become familiar with changing marijuana laws and their effect on cannabis consumers in newly legal states.

Thanks to © Chris Smith for the conference photography.