Understanding Missouri QMS

The State of Missouri has created a requirement for all Licensed Marijuana Operators to implement a Quality Management System (QMS).

Whether you have implemented your QMS, are in the process, or have chosen to ignore this requirement, you should know what implementation means.

At some point, you will have to tell the State that you have implemented (compliance) a QMS. The State may then ask you to prove your claim. There are several options you can use to provide proof.

First, you can buy the QMS standards of your choice. We recommend ISO for marijuana licensees (www.iso.org).

You will then need to learn about all the required standards and implement the system yourself. Assuming the State asks for your proof, you will explain your QMS documentation. This is referred to as a “do-it-yourself model”.

Second, partner with a third-party coach. Your coaching partner will help guide you through the implementation process. Their help will result in different solutions:

Solution A. Using their “marijuana specific” forms and templates, you use the “do-it-yourself” model. The advantage for you is that you do not have to create all the documents and templates; they are provided for you. No certificates will be provided. This is usually the lowest cost model. Additionally, assuming you can document that you have met the required standards, you can prove your implementation to the State.

Solution B. Your coaching partner not only provides all your required documents and templates, but they will also work with you to implement your QMS. Upon completion, you will earn an “Internal Implementation Certificate” which you can present to the State. Make sure your coaching partners are certified in your QMS. This choice will cost more than Option A, but the help you receive will be worth the added investment.

Solution C. Taking Solution B to a higher level, your coaching partners will collaborate with you extensively to perform an “External Audit”.  This would cost you more than Solution 2.

For most marijuana licensees, we usually recommend Solution B. You get the benefit of access to marijuana specific customizable documents and templates; you also receive the help you need to implement your QMS. And you earn your Internal Implementation Certificate to present to the State.

Please remember, Missouri does not require an audit of your QMS, they just require you to implement an approved QMS.

Compliance is not just about following rules, but about doing what is right.

Thank you for joining our learning community. As always, if you have any questions about QMS and/or Regulatory Compliance, do not hesitate to contact one of our coaches. We are here to help you simplify your operations.