Kansas City considers following in Nevada’s footsteps with 24/7 cannabis dispensaries

Shops within an acceptable distance from schools and places of worship would be eligible

Rowan Dunne

Published

2 hours ago

Kansas City could soon see some of its cannabis dispensaries open their doors 24 hours a day.

Councilmember Crispin Rea has introduced a zoning amendment that would let certain medical and recreational marijuana stores apply for round-the-clock operations. The proposal focuses on businesses located at least 1,000 feet away from any residential district.

City planning staff already recommend approving the change, especially for dispensaries situated in industrial areas where neighbouring businesses often run all night. Under current rules, Kansas City dispensaries must shut down by 10 p.m. and cannot reopen before 8 a.m. unless they meet specific distance requirements.

The idea gained momentum after Key Cannabis, a store positioned near Front Street and Interstate 435, asked for extended hours. That location sits right beside establishments like Waffle House, McDonald’s and a QuikTrip convenience store that never close.

This proposal first came to light in November and has since made significant progress. The city’s Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee considered the measure on Tuesday. City Council will be voting on the matter if the committee decides to move forward with it.

Supporters argue the change makes sense because licensed dispensaries face strict state regulation and generate far less crime than unlicensed smoke shops in the area. Little opposition has been voiced.

Jack Cardetti, speaking for the Missouri cannabis trade group MoCannTrade, emphasizes the economic benefits. He noted that these businesses create thousands of jobs across the state and bring in millions of dollars in local tax revenue every year. Cardetti describes them as responsible community partners that deserve the same flexibility other 24-hour operations enjoy.

If the amendment passes, the city would issue special use permits with a five-year limit. Renewal after that initial term would be possible pending review from authorities.

Out of the 22 licensed dispensaries in Kansas City, five currently meet the distance criteria that would qualify them for 24-hour service.

Several places in the United States already allow 24-hour cannabis sales. In Las Vegas, Nevada, dispensaries such as The Grove and Thrive Cannabis Marketplace serve customers at any hour to accommodate the city’s non-stop tourism. Additionally, New Mexico hosts round-the-clock locations like Munchiez Cannabis Dispensary, Score 420 and Cannaverse in Las Cruces.

Since Missouri voters legalized recreational cannabis in 2022, the market has grown to more than US$1.5 billion annually. Green Thumb Industries Inc (CNSX: GTII) (OTCMKTS: GTBIF), Cresco Labs Inc (CNSX: CL) (OTCMKTS: CRLBF) (FRA: 6CQ) and Verano Holdings Corp (OTCMKTS: VRNOF) (FRA: 76U0) are the state’s public operators with the greatest market share.