Since 2022, state regulators have used a lottery system to award 96 microbusiness licenses — a program sold to voters as a way to help victims of the War on Drugs get a toehold in the burgeoning cannabis industry. But 44 of them are under investigation.

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Illinois and Missouri until 4 PM CDT

“We’re what the microbusiness program was essentially meant to help. We are the Black and Brown. The War on Drugs certainly hit our ethnicity the most. We’re family run & we’re native Missourians. We’re just trying to bring organic cannabis to Missouri.” https://t.co/lKFF05eVtn

The nonprofit was used by Mayor Quinton Lucas’ predecessor primarily to bring speakers to KC to talk about economic development. Lucas and his former chief of staff use it for Chiefs tickets, hotel stays, flights & dinners. #moleg #mogov via @Allie_Kite https://t.co/C8hSXIGKYb

Division of Cannabis Regulation Director Amy Moore said her team shares the concern about predatory practices, and that’s why the division previously issued warnings to applicants. via @MO_Independent @Rebeccarivas https://t.co/Yy0nuiAsyC

A majority of revoked microbusiness licenses are connected to groups/individuals who flooded the lottery by recruiting people to submit applications and offering contracts that limited their profit & control of the business. #moleg #mogov via @Rebeccarivas https://t.co/fDepaa7G5J

Josh Hawley draws rebuke over use of private jets for Missouri Senate campaign The first-term Republican’s campaign spent more than $132,000 on chartered flights between mid-December and June #mosen #moleg via @J_Hancock https://t.co/DWySWHwwID

Missouri regulators deny certification for majority of social-equity cannabis license winners Of 24 dispensary licenses selected in June, The Independent has identified 14 likely connected to groups the state has cracked down on #moleg via @Rebeccarivas https://t.co/KyOzaCgFx3

The $30,000 donation is drawing concern from critics of the proposed amendment — and even lawmakers in support — who question whether the pension board is using taxpayer dollars to support a political campaign. #moleg #mogov via @RudiKellerMI https://t.co/pqtyoojWhe

The court debate Tuesday over how Missouri marijuana products get taxed statewide sounded similar to a grammar class on conjunctions and comma placement. #moleg #mogov via @Rebeccarivas https://t.co/jzpF8fPzO5

Right now, the state is focusing on THC products that children could mistake for regular food or candy — not banning all intoxicating hemp products like Delta-8 beverages sold at bars or liquor stores. That could change next summer w/ DHSS budget request.

False names used in testimony to Missouri House committee studying immigrant crime #moleg #mogov via @RudiKellerMI https://t.co/9D8ZjYduyB

Missouri lawmakers will convene a special committee to study the consequences of nuclear weapons production in the St. Louis area and recommend legislation for next year, House Speaker Dean Plocher announced Thursday. #moleg #mogov via @Allie_Kite https://t.co/rCkK858BET

While a large part of Gov. Mike Parson’s ban on intoxicating hemp products may be on pause, plans are underway to kick it back up next summer, according to a preliminary budget request by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. #moleg #mogov https://t.co/Dxu9XZhD7V

Nearly 8,000 seniors and Missourians with disabilities could lose at-home care over the next year after a new eligibility algorithm went into effect this week. #moleg #mogov via @clarabatess https://t.co/iYqwjqHsjA

Missouri's Department of Social Services “knowingly and purposefully” subverted the state’s open records law to gain the upper hand in litigation, Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem ruled Monday. https://t.co/rVu8Ern6Eh @MO_Independent

Missouri began issuing food benefits for children that were designed to cover the summer months just last week. 9,500 kids have been issued benefits so far, out of ~490,000. State officials said their goal is to finish distribution by end of this year. https://t.co/Ui9eMTsXCz

One more :) The state revoked 8 social-equity dispensary licenses linked to out-of-state groups earlier this year. All are appealing the decision. Filings w/ MO’s Administrative Hearing Commission will continue to offer a glimpse of who’s behind them.

And lastly, the story that got me looking to these contracts. A Michigan-based company was recruiting people on Craigslist to enter Missouri’s social equity license lottery using contracts forcing them to eventually relinquish all control — and profits.

I also referenced this story about social-equity licenses (called microbusiness licenses in Missouri) connected to cannabis consultant John Payne.