Operating in Missouri’s cannabis market comes with both opportunity and obligation. With the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) actively monitoring compliance, cannabis businesses must prioritize risk identification and mitigation. The most effective way to stay ahead of inspections and avoid regulatory trouble? A compliance risk assessment.
At C5 Consulting, we provide cannabis entrepreneurs across Missouri with tailored compliance risk assessment services that help identify, prioritize, and resolve vulnerabilities before they lead to fines—or worse, license suspension.
What Is a Compliance Risk Assessment?
A compliance risk assessment is a structured, proactive review of your business to uncover any gaps in regulatory compliance. In Missouri, where DCR compliance standards are extensive and evolving, this process is critical for cannabis licensees of all types—dispensaries, cultivators, manufacturers, and transporters.
The goal of a risk assessment is simple:
Uncover what could go wrong, determine how likely it is, and implement safeguards before regulators get involved.
C5 Consulting’s compliance risk assessments are customized to meet Missouri’s cannabis regulations, operational workflows, and inspection patterns.
Why It’s Critical in Missouri
Missouri’s cannabis market has grown rapidly since legalization, prompting increased regulatory attention. Common enforcement actions stem from:
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Inventory discrepancies in METRC
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Improper packaging or labeling
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Security and access control failures
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Incomplete SOPs and training records
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Poor documentation and reporting practices
Missouri regulators conduct both scheduled and unannounced inspections. If you don’t know your risks, you’re vulnerable to enforcement. A risk assessment gives you the insight—and time—to fix issues on your terms.
Key Compliance Risk Areas in Missouri Cannabis Facilities
Based on our experience with Missouri operators, here are the top compliance risk areas we target during assessments:
1. Inventory & METRC Mismanagement
The most common source of violations comes from inventory tracking errors. These include:
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Product not tagged in METRC
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Discrepancies between physical and digital inventory
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Improper waste logging or disposal
C5 Consulting analyzes your inventory workflow from intake to disposal, ensuring full traceability and alignment with DCR expectations.
2. Security System Gaps
Missouri requires strict surveillance coverage, data storage, and access protocols. Risks include:
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Blind spots in camera systems
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Lack of video retention documentation
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Poorly controlled facility access
Our team conducts a walkthrough to validate security compliance and recommends improvements that reduce liability and ensure inspection readiness.
3. Incomplete SOPs & Records
Outdated or missing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are common pitfalls. Regulators expect detailed and current SOPs governing:
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Inventory movement
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Packaging/labeling
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Security response
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Transportation
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Employee onboarding
C5 Consulting evaluates your SOP library and helps draft or update procedures to align with Missouri regulations.
4. Packaging, Labeling & Marketing Violations
Missouri law is precise when it comes to labeling. Common errors include:
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Missing or incorrect universal symbols
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Inaccurate THC/CBD potency statements
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Font size violations or improper QR codes
We audit your packaging and labeling processes and provide compliant templates to avoid product holds or recalls.
5. Employee Credentialing & Training
Your workforce must be trained, documented, and credentialed. Risk factors include:
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Expired or missing agent ID badges
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Incomplete training records
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Unauthorized access to restricted areas
C5 Consulting reviews employee files and training protocols to ensure full regulatory compliance.
Our Process: C5 Consulting’s Risk Assessment Approach
Every cannabis business is different, so we tailor our risk assessment process based on your operation size, license type, and past compliance history.
✅ On-Site Facility Inspection
We tour your facility and identify compliance gaps across operations, security, and inventory handling.
✅ Documentation & SOP Review
We assess your internal documents—licenses, SOPs, training records, METRC logs—to uncover regulatory weaknesses.
✅ Risk Prioritization Matrix
Our assessment report categorizes risk areas by severity and urgency—so you know what needs attention first.
✅ Corrective Action Plan
We don’t just point out problems. We help build and implement solutions with practical timelines, templates, and training.
✅ Ongoing Monitoring & Support
C5 Consulting offers periodic follow-ups, virtual support, and audit preparation services to keep your operation on track year-round.
Who Should Get a Risk Assessment?
A compliance risk assessment is valuable for any Missouri cannabis licensee, especially if:
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You’re approaching a state inspection or license renewal
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You’ve expanded operations, changed locations, or onboarded new staff
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You’ve experienced past violations or received a notice from DCR
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You want to proactively reduce liability and improve operational efficiency
Whether you’re a startup or a multi-site operator, risk assessment is your first line of defense.
Why Work With C5 Consulting?
C5 Consulting is a Missouri-based cannabis consulting firm with deep expertise in local compliance. We’ve helped dozens of cannabis businesses across the state stay inspection-ready and risk-resilient.
When you partner with us, you get:
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Regulatory insight grounded in Missouri law
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Experienced auditors and cannabis professionals
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Actionable, real-world solutions
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Transparent communication and consistent follow-through
We don’t just assess—we equip and empower your team to maintain compliance on your own terms.
Protect Your License. Schedule Your Risk Assessment Today.
Your cannabis license is too valuable to leave to chance. A compliance risk assessment from C5 Consulting provides the clarity, structure, and guidance you need to stay compliant—and stay in business.
Contact C5 Consulting today to schedule your risk assessment and start protecting your operation from costly compliance mistakes.
