Missouri Governor's THC Ban Threatens 9,000 Retailers Statewide Amid Nationwide Clampdown On Hemp

Missouri Governor Mike Parson (R) enacted Executive Order 24-10 on August 1, immediately banning the sale of intoxicating hemp-derived THC products across the state. This directive, effective as of September 1, targets the burgeoning market of hemp-infused beverages which, until now, were legally sold outside licensed cannabis dispensaries thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill.

Hemp Industry Criticizes Missouri THC Ban

The governor's decision has sparked intense backlash from local hemp business owners and industry advocates, labeling it an “overreach,” according to The Missouri Independent.  Joshua Grigaitis, owner of St. Louis-based Mighty Kind Co., criticized the order for its broad implications, particularly affecting the state’s bars and liquor stores, which have earned significant revenue from these products. "That's a big hit to just make an executive order without any kind of voting or legislation," Grigaitis lamented, noting that his hemp seltzers account for up to 50% of sales. 

Read Also: Anti-Drug Groups Urge Congress To Ban Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids As Debate Grows

Governor Parson Highlights Child Safety Concerns

At a Capitol press conference, Parson emphasized the need to protect children from these products, showing the media a package of THC-laced gummies to underscore his point. Despite the governor's intentions, industry representatives argue that the order was made without voter or legislative consultation, directly affecting thousands of Missouri businesses.

Missouri THC Ban Economic Impact Amid Calls For Federal Regulation

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services estimated that about 9,000 retailers statewide are selling these products, a stark figure that speaks to the wide-reaching impact of the new ban.

In response to these regulatory pressures, industry leaders in Missouri and beyond are calling for standardized federal oversight to prevent such unilateral state-level bans. “The rest of the country does not want to see this precedent set, where it could then snowball,” Grigaitis told The Missouri Independent.

Read Also: Cannabis Companies Generate $8B In Texas Where It’s Barely Legal: Is Weed Poised To Surpass Wine?

Nationwide Crackdown On Hemp Derived THC Products

This executive action in Missouri is part of a broader trend, as more U.S. states tighten regulations on hemp-derived THC products. States like South Dakota, Louisiana, Iowa and Nebraska have already implemented stringent measures to limit the availability of substances like delta-8 THC and other psychoactive compounds derived from hemp.

With Congress set to deliberate on amendments to the next Farm Bill, stakeholders across both the hemp and cannabis industries are advocating for legislative changes that would regulate, rather than ban, hemp-derived THC products.

Read Next:

• Delta 8 THC Hemp Regulation Moves Forward In New Jersey
• FDA, FTC Target Misleading Hemp Marketing As Congress Debates Ban

Photo courtesy of Missouri Governor's Office.