LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. — Medical marijuana dispensaries are opening across Missouri, but of the 192 dispensaries approved statewide, only one in the Kansas City metro will open Monday.
Fresh.green, 1041 Northeast Sam Walton Lane, in Lee's Summit received the green light, but dozens of other dispensaries in the area waiting on getting product to their shelves.
Employees of 3rd Street Dispensary, also in Lee's Summit, are eager for their establishment to open.
"We really wanted it to have like a homey feel, like they're walking into someone's house, and they're like I really want to spend time here." said Kathryn Annen, dispensary manager of 3rd Street Dispensary.
But they'll have to wait a little longer as there's no product yet, due to a delay for dispensaries.
"It's hard waiting but we have some great contracts with some great people," said Cheryl Annen, co-owner of 3rd Street Dispensary.
The state approved 60 licenses for cultivators, but only a couple have been approved to distribute, thus creating a backlog for the product to hit store shelves.
"We're on our toes, you know. we're definitely working very hard," said Dispensary Manager Mark “Jark” Jones.
Jericho Heese, director of retail and marketing for Fresh Karma Dispensaries, said the "waiting game has been tough."
Fresh Karma Dispensaries will have three locations -- St. Joesph, Parkville and one off Linwood Boulevard across the street from Costco.
"This location (Linwood Blvd) is going to be our headquarters," Heese said. "We’re excited about this one. It’s going to be a 6,000 square foot location. We plan on hosting multiple community outreach events."
They're also waiting on more cultivation sites to grow marijuana so they can start to do business.
"It's an anxious feeling," Heese said. "We're just as excited as other consumers in the state. We really want to get out there and provide safe, clean accessible cannabis."
Those who intend to purchase medical marijuana must bring a government issued-ID, copy of their patient card and cash or a debit card.
More information about medical marijuana in the state, can be found on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website.
