what to know before visiting cannabis store

What to Know Before Visiting a Missouri Cannabis Store: ID, Payments, and Local Laws

profile imageMO Canna O'Fallon Jun 20, 2025

If you’re planning your first trip to a Missouri cannabis store—whether you're shopping in O’Fallon or anywhere else in St. Charles County—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You might wonder what to bring, how payments work, what’s legal to buy, and what your options are once you walk through the door.

Don’t worry. This guide covers everything you need to know before stepping foot into a cannabis store in Missouri—so you can shop confidently and legally.

Do You Need to Be a Missouri Resident?

No, you do not need to be a Missouri resident to purchase cannabis. As long as you are 21 or older, you can legally buy cannabis products from any licensed Missouri cannabis store—including MO Canna in O’Fallon.

Medical marijuana patients must show valid Missouri medical cards. But for recreational purchases, just bring your ID.

What ID Do You Need?

To enter a Missouri cannabis store, you must present a valid, government-issued photo ID proving you are at least 21 years old. Acceptable IDs include:

  • Missouri driver’s license or state ID
  • Out-of-state driver’s license or state ID
  • U.S. passport
  • U.S. military ID

The name must match your ID exactly. Expired IDs are not accepted, so double-check before you go.

Medical patients must also present a valid medical marijuana card from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).

Are There Purchase Limits?

Yes. Missouri law sets clear limits on how much cannabis you can buy:

  • Recreational Users (21+): Up to 3 ounces of dried, unprocessed marijuana (or equivalent) per transaction.
  • Medical Patients: Up to 6 ounces per month unless otherwise authorized by a physician.

Cannabis equivalents include:

  • 1 gram of concentrate = 3.5 grams of flower
  • 100 mg of THC in edibles = 3.5 grams of flower

The cannabis store staff will help you stay within legal limits.

What Can You Buy?

You’ll find a wide selection of products, including:

🌿 Flower

Smokable cannabis buds in various strains—sativa, indica, and hybrids.

🍫 Edibles

Gummies, chocolates, mints, and more—great for discreet, long-lasting effects.

💨 Vapes

Pre-filled cartridges for portable, easy use. Ask for strain type and potency info.

💧 Tinctures

Liquid extracts taken sublingually (under the tongue) for fast-acting relief.

🧴 Topicals

Lotions, balms, and transdermal patches—perfect for localized pain relief.

💊 Capsules

Pre-measured doses for consistency and convenience.

Not sure where to start? Missouri cannabis stores like MO Canna offer free consultations to help you find what fits your needs.

How Do You Pay?

Cash is king at most Missouri cannabis stores. Due to federal banking restrictions, credit and debit cards are not widely accepted.

Your options include:

  • Cash
  • ATM on-site (usually available inside the cannabis store)
  • CanPay (a mobile debit payment app accepted by some locations)

Tip: Call ahead or check the cannabis store's website to confirm accepted payment methods. MO Canna O’Fallon provides up-to-date payment info and usually has an ATM on-site.

Are There Taxes?

Yes, and they differ based on whether you're a recreational or medical customer.

  • Recreational cannabis:
    • 6% state tax
    • Up to 3% local tax (St. Charles County and O’Fallon may apply both)
  • Medical cannabis:
    • 4% flat state tax
    • No local tax

This means medical patients typically pay less than recreational users for the same products.

What About Privacy?

Missouri law does not require recreational customers to register or provide personal information. However:

  • Security cameras are required by law inside all cannabis stores
  • Medical patients must have their state-issued cards scanned during purchase
  • Some cannabis stores offer optional loyalty programs requiring phone numbers or emails

At MO Canna, we respect your privacy. You’ll never be signed up for anything without your consent.

Can You Browse the Store Like a Normal Shop?

Yes and no.

In most Missouri cannabis stores:

  • You’ll enter through a secured lobby where your ID is checked
  • Once cleared, you’ll be allowed into the sales floor
  • Products are displayed in locked cases, but staff will assist you with any questions
  • You’ll place your order at a terminal or with a budtender, who will retrieve it from the back

This process ensures safety, compliance, and personal service.

Tip for New Visitors:

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Budtenders are trained to explain effects, dosing, and product differences—especially helpful on your first visit.

Can You Bring Someone With You?

Yes, but:

  • They must be 21 or older
  • They must also show a valid ID
  • Children are not allowed, even if accompanied by a parent

You can shop with a friend or spouse, but both must be legal adults.

Is Cannabis Use Allowed Onsite?

Absolutely not. Missouri law prohibits the use of cannabis:

  • In public places
  • On cannabis store property
  • In your car in the parking lot

Wait until you’re home or in a private, legal setting to consume your products.

What If You’re a Medical Patient Visiting Recreationally?

You can choose to shop as a recreational user, but you’ll lose access to:

  • Medical discounts
  • Higher purchase limits
  • Product types (some are medical-only)

Always bring your medical card to take advantage of those benefits.

Are There Any Local Differences in O’Fallon?

Cannabis laws are set at the state level, but local enforcement can vary slightly. O’Fallon and St. Charles County have embraced Missouri’s cannabis program, but with clear expectations:

  • Cannabis stores must follow zoning laws
  • No public use is tolerated
  • Driving under the influence will result in DUI charges—even if you’re a medical user

Tips for a Smooth First Visit

  • ✅ Bring your valid photo ID
  • ✅ Bring cash or prepare to use an ATM
  • ✅ Know what you want to achieve (pain relief, sleep, anxiety support, etc.)
  • ✅ Ask questions—don’t guess
  • ✅ Follow posted signs and budtender guidance
  • ❌ Don’t bring minors
  • ❌ Don’t take photos without permission
  • ❌ Don’t plan to consume cannabis onsite

Final Thoughts: Be Prepared and Feel Welcome

Your first cannabis store visit shouldn’t be intimidating. Whether you’re exploring cannabis for the first time or looking to upgrade your wellness routine, Missouri dispensaries like MO Canna O’Fallon are ready to guide you.

Need help choosing the right product? Curious about discounts or ID requirements?

Contact MO Canna O’Fallon today—we’re here to help you make the most of your first (and every) visit.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice.