Missouri's Hemp Battle Heats Up As Governor Parson Revives Ban In A Mark Twain-Like Drama

Missouri Governor Mike Parson recently ordered the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to remove and destroy intoxicating hemp products labeled as "adulterated."

This action follows Parson’s executive ban targeting psychoactive substances like delta-8 THC. Citing public health concerns, particularly for children, Parson has directed the DHSS to prioritize enforcement. Retailers found selling these products may face legal action if they don't voluntarily comply, reported Hemp Today.

According to a DHSS memo, the enforcement will focus on products that pose health risks and those marketed to minors. The removal process will begin with requests for voluntary compliance. If businesses refuse, the state may seek court orders to destroy the products.

Political Background Of Hemp Ban

The governor’s directive comes after a political dispute between Parson and Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, who rejected the initial ban.

Parson's push is driven by DHSS data showing a 600% increase in the number of children five years old and under experiencing cannabis poisoning that resulted in emergency room visits or hospitalizations since 2028.

It would be extremely easy for a child to consume large quantities of these products thinking it was their favorite candy.

Our Executive Order effectively bans the sale of foods containing psychoactive cannabis compounds products until approved sources can be regulated.. https://t.co/bvmMKlXbuU

— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) August 30, 2024

Denying the decision to ban, Ashcroft argued that Parson's executive order failed to meet the state’s emergency criteria.

Meanwhile, Parson accused Ashcroft of rejecting the executive order out of political spite, citing the governor’s support for Mike Kehoe, Missouri's lieutenant governor, who recently defeated Ashcroft in the gubernatorial primary. All of them are Republicans.

Despite this rejection, Parson remains determined to curb the sale of intoxicating hemp products, accusing Ashcroft of putting "hurt feelings" above public safety.

Get Benzinga's exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily in your inbox for free. Subscribe to our newsletter here. If you're serious about the business, you can't afford to miss out.

A Modern-Day Missouri Novel

If famous Missourian Mark Twain was here today, he might appreciate the irony of Missouri becoming a battleground over hemp – a plant with deep historical roots in American agriculture – and the entangled dispute between characters, essential to any novel.

Missouri hemp prohibition further develops as many are not on board with the governor’s order. The Missouri Hemp Trade Association (MOHTA) has filed a lawsuit against the state, challenging the ban on hemp-derived products.

Industry leaders argue that the state is overreaching and that many products being targeted, such as delta-10 THC and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), have legitimate uses. The complete ban affects five different molecules, all forms of hemp THC.

In response to the enforcement order, MOHTA spokesperson Craig Katz stated “DHSS has no authority whatsoever to confiscate any industrial hemp goods from store shelves", reported First Alert.

Things are heating up around hemp with a previous lawsuit regarding a product recall from 2023 still pending legal resolutions.

Read Also: Boomerang Effect: Ignoring Delta-8 THC Regulations Could ‘Take Off A Lot Of Heads,’ Expert Warns

Broader Crackdown On Hemp and Cannabis

The enforcement of hemp had another parallel development recently, when Missouri regulators issued a fourth large-scale cannabis recall, affecting more than 37,000 products made by Blue Sky Health & Wellness LLC, reported Green Market Report.

This is the fourth massive recall on similar products. This time regulators are citing non-compliance with the state's Metrc tracking system as the reason for the latest action. The latest resulted in the recall of 135.000 products.

The recalled items included vape cartridges, concentrates, edibles and infused pre-rolls. While no adverse health effects have been reported, the state's inability to verify product safety prompted the recalls.

The recalls affected several well-known cannabis brands.

The battle over hemp regulations in Missouri is far from over. The state's actions will continue to shape the future of hemp-derived products, leaving businesses, consumers and regulators to navigate an increasingly complex legal landscape.

The consequences of this ongoing dispute between the cannabis industry and the hemp THC industry are being analyzed in a series of Benzinga articles. We invite you to dive in!

• Read Next: Navigating Hemp Vs. Cannabis Debate: One Agenda For All? US Cannabis Council’s David Culver Weighs In

Cover: Courtesy of Missouri Governor's Office