Medical and comprehensive marijuana regulations pertaining to operating a related business are regulated by the Missouri Department of Heath & Senior Services. Please contact the Missouri Department of Heath & Senior Services prior to submitting your application with the City of Kansas City. The following information are the steps and FAQ's for operating this type of business within the city limits of Kansas City.

Application Process for a Marijuana Business Operation in KCMO City Limits

Please complete all of the following steps:

1. Open the following PDF, download it, and fill out the required information digitally: Marijuana Zoning Clearance for Business License Affidavit.
2. Produce a map indicating the location of the proposed Marijuana Facility and the surrounding area. The map must show compliance with the distance requirements from schools, churches and day care centers as described in the Zoning and Development Code outlined in the  Section 88-354. This map should be of great enough detail to show compliance with the distance requirements and should be marked to show the shortest path between the demarcation points that can be lawfully traveled by foot. 
3. Apply on CompassKC (CompassKC Help Guide) for a “Zoning Clearance for Business License”. As part of this online application, you must attach the following: 
   • Marijuana Zoning Clearance for Business License Affidavit (PDF provided above)
   • The map(s) indicating distance requirements are met.

Marijuana Zoning Regulations

All marijuana production facilities shall be located at least 750 feet away from schools and at least 300 feet away from day-care facilities and churches.

Dispensaries shall be located at least 300 feet away from schools, day-care facilities and churches.

Hours of operations for marijuana dispensary facilities are limited to be between 8:00AM and 10:00PM.

All marijuana facilities must follow all applicable zoning (Section 88-354) and building code (Chapter 18) requirements. 

Please review the city's marijuana regulations for additional details.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I operate more than one location within the city limits, do I need a zoning clearance for each location?

Yes, if you are applying for more than one facility location, you must complete the above steps for each location. 

How long will it take to review my Zoning Clearance Application?

Please allow at least five (5) business days for application processing. Your review, denial, or approval will be sent though the CompassKC system.

What if I have questions if a site is compliant with city regulations to open a marijuana related business?

Contact the City Planning and Development Department at (816) 513-1500.

Do I need a building permit for my marijuana related business?

Perhaps. The previous use and the proposed use for a space or building will dictate if a building plan or permit review is required. For example:

• If a tenant space was previously used as a restaurant but will now be used as a dispensary a Commercial Plan Review for a “Change of Use” will be required. Once the Plans are approved a building permit and any sub-permits can be issued. Once the work is complete and receives a Certificate of Occupancy the business may open. Please review Information Bulletin IB110 for more information.
• If a tenant space was previously a traditional retail store and the new use will be a dispensary, a plan review process may not be required. However, depending on the changes to the space may still require permits such as upgrades to the HVAC systems. Once these permits are completed the business may open. Since the use of the space is not changing the city will not issue a new Certificate of Occupancy. Please review our guidelines for permitting at Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical Permits.
• If the tenant space was previously a dispensary and will change to a new dispensary, so long as no changes occur to the space that require building code plan review or permitting then the business may open.

Can I open a business to allow people to consume marijuana products

Open consumption of marijuana products is not permitted within the City of Kansas City, and it is expressly prohibited in a licensed bar/tavern premise under Missouri State Regulation 70-2.130 (PDF).

Background

In November 2018, Missouri voted to legalize medical marijuana in the State of Missouri. Following this action on July 21, 2019, the City of Kansas City, MO City Council approved Ordinance #190430 to regulate medical marijuana businesses within the city limits.

In November 2022, Missouri voted to legalize comprehensive marijuana in the State of Missouri. Following this action on February 29, 2023, the City of Kansas City, MO City Council approved Ordinance #230124 to regulate medical and comprehensive marijuana within the city limits.