Table 1 Descriptive statistics for maximum application scores in census tracts and category definitions (n = 606 census tracts)
All denied | 1 or more approved | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Variables | Mean (S.D) | Mean (S.D.) | Definitions and weights for application categories |
Total Score (0–100%) | 69.496 (10.630) | 79.401** (2.152) | The overall percentage score that a dispensary applicant received on the Missouri application for a medical marijuana license. [Weight = 100%] |
Dispensary Supplement (0–100%) | 68.100 (12.053) | 78.176** (5.53) | Questions focused on fundamental issues for operating a dispensary, such as the suitability of the site, accessibility to patients, healthcare-related experience among dispensary staff, and the availability of physicians and pharmacists for consultations. [Weight = 20%] |
Business Plan (0–100%) | 67.572 (10.686) | 75.912** (4.109) | Questions covered employee recruitment and training, inventory management, product pricing, marketing, accounting/fiscal controls, and budget projections. Applicants were required to provide proof of adequate financial capitalization, liability insurance coverage, and the legal right to use the facility indicated on the application. [Weight = 20%] |
Security (0–100%) | 52.876 (13.896) | 67.714** (8.076) | Applicants provided plans for preventing theft, illegal purchase, and unlawful entry. Applicants were required to provide details about employee screening and monitoring, on-site surveillance systems, and a facility’s physical infrastructure. [Weight = 20%] |
Economic Impact (0–100%) | 58.237 (14.472) | 70.305** (9.369) | Applicants described how a dispensary would have a positive economic impact on the local area. They also provided estimates for the number of full-time equivalent jobs and the average hourly wage during the first year of operations. [Weight = 16%] |
Character (0–100%) | 96.365 (5.230) | 98.852** (2.048) | The trustworthiness and background of all officers and managers were assessed. Applicants provided resumes, support letters, and information about prior compliance with laws related to taxes, federally funded programs, and other business practices. [Weight = 12%] |
Experience (0–100%) | 91.322 (24.644) | 100.000** (0.000) | This section consisted of a single essay in which the applicant described the experience of each officer or manager in the legal cannabis market. [Weight = 8%] |
Competition (0–100%) | 91.647 (27.700) | 100.000** (0.000) | This section consisted of a single essay in which the applicant described how the dispensary will be competitive in the market for medical marijuana products. [Weight = 4%] |