The Missouri Section for Medical Marijuana Regulation (SMMR) had commissioned a market study that was delivered in April 2020. My analysis was provided at that time. In a recently published annual report, delivered to the Governor’s office, the SMMR makes the following assertion:
“For consumers, the market study acknowledged the data collected by other states was incomplete and wisely contemplated projections at several different rates, including a rate that matches Missouri’s experience so far.”
The ‘consumers’ referenced are the certified patients and the ‘rate’ is, apparently, the rate of patient uptake. In the referenced study, the highest rate for projected patient uptake results in an estimate of 26,404 patients by the end of June 2022.
Given that Missouri now has more than 50,000 patients but has yet to complete the first full year of patient registrations (much less 3 years). I am having trouble understanding how the assertion above “matches Missouri’s experience so far” – in any shape or form. While normally I would pass over this sort of nuance because mistakes do happen, I don’t believe it is wise to pass this one over.
The leader of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Dr. Randall Williams, has made it known publicly that the limitations on the market (minimal cap on licensed facilities) is primarily based on the referenced market study. Thus, the assertion above seems to be an attempt to validate the study and, indirectly, validate the decision to keep licensed facilities at a minimum.
I don’t prefer to speculate, but I’m left to wonder if this was done purposefully. If so, is my conjecture correct? Can the SMRR be compelled to issue a correction? Am I missing something?
Food for thought,
— The Lit Farmer —
