Missouri Cannabis Update: Tighter Regulatory Grip And Growing Unionization

Legislators Propose Stricter Regulations On "Intoxicating Cannabinoids"

Missouri lawmakers, including Representative Chad Perkins and Senator Nick Schroer introduced the “Intoxicating Cannabinoid Control Act.” These bills introduce regulations for hemp, cannabis, and cannabinoid products with intoxicating effects, defining ‘intoxicating cannabinoid’ and mandating that these products be regulated as marijuana.

If passed, the act would limit the sale of these cannabis products to licensed Missouri entities. The Department of Health and Senior Services will oversee these regulations in collaboration with law enforcement.

According to Greenway Magazine, the proposed act reflects growing concerns from regulators and industry participants about public safety and the accessibility of intoxicating cannabis-derived products to minors. This development has raised eyebrows in the cannabis industry and could have implications for how other states regulate intoxicating cannabinoid products in the future.

Cannabis Regulators Introduce Stricter Operational Deadlines

Missouri’s Division of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) is implementing more rigorous operational deadline policies for cannabis licensees. Under these new guidelines, standard licensees must become operational within one year, while microbusinesses have a two-year deadline. 

This marks a shift from DCR’s previous leniency, influenced by the industry’s novelty and the COVID-19 pandemic. As noted in Greenway Magazine, DCR will now only grant extensions for ‘good cause’ under stricter criteria. Licensees must submit detailed documentation for extension requests, with DCR emphasizing strict enforcement to ensure timely and regulated industry growth.

Cannabis Workers In Missouri Launch Unionization Drive

Cannabis industry workers in Missouri are making significant strides in their push for unionization. Led by UFCW Local 655, this movement aims to address pressing concerns within the industry, such as working conditions and job stability.

As reported in Missouri Independent, despite facing some resistance from dispensary management, the campaign has garnered momentum and achieved a substantial milestone with a $145,000 settlement for ten former employees of Shangri-La South dispensary in Columbia.

As the cannabis industry continues to expand, so does the desire among workers to secure their rights and improve their working conditions. Unionization efforts have gained traction not only in Missouri but also in other states with burgeoning cannabis markets.