Executive Order in Missouri

The war on hemp has found its way to the Show Me State. Under an executive order signed TODAY by the Governor of Missouri, food products that contain delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, THC-O, THCP, THCV, HHC, or similar substances would be banned, deemed unapproved and adulterated.

According to the order, these substances are psychoactive cannabis products for which there are no safety standards, packaging requirements, or other regulations in Missouri. 

FAQs released with the order state that CBD, CBN, and similar substances that do not have psychoactive effect are not included. Unfortunately, the order sweeps in some federally legal hemp products. 

Over the last few years, marijuana industry-funded efforts to pass legal bans on hemp products have rightly failed in the Missouri legislature. This Hail Mary action by a lame duck Governor who leaves office in a few months is unprecedented across the country.

This ban will not take effect until September 1; there are necessary regulatory steps that would need to occur. More significantly, a legal challenge to this highly unorthodox action is expected.  We would hope to prevent this from devastating the hemp products industry in Missouri and eliminating economic opportunities for hemp farmers and small businesses.

Stay tuned to this space for updates and how to take action.