Add Missouri to the rising record of states imposing bans on delta-8 and different intoxicating hemp-derived merchandise.
Republican Gov. Mike Parson on Thursday issued an government order prohibiting the sale of merchandise containing psychoactive hashish compounds at retail areas, together with liquor shops.
Shops violating the order are topic to disciplinary actions from the Missouri Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Management, based on the order.
The state’s Division of Well being and Senior Companies plans to embargo such merchandise, based on a information launch from the governor’s workplace.
“This Govt Order successfully bans the sale of those probably dangerous merchandise in Missouri till such time accepted sources could be regulated by the FDA or State of Missouri via legislative motion,” Parson mentioned in an announcement.
“Defending Missourians, particularly probably the most weak, our kids, has been our tenet because the very starting and stays so at this time.”
Merchandise containing delta-8 THC and different hemp-derived cannabinoids have soared in reputation because the 2018 Farm Invoice, which legalized hemp manufacturing and gross sales nationwide.
Gross sales of those largely untested and unregulated merchandise have primarily taken root in states with out adult-use marijuana applications and/or with customers youthful than 21, business sources contend.
John Mueller, CEO of Kansas Metropolis-based marijuana multistate operator Greenlight Dispensary, certainly one of Missouri’s largest dispensary chains, applauded the governor’s choice.
“These merchandise have been far too simply accessible, and their misleading packaging has led to quite a few antagonistic well being incidents,” he mentioned in an announcement despatched to MJBizDaily.
“The governor’s order will assist create a safer setting for customers whereas additionally leveling the taking part in subject for accountable, law-abiding hashish companies in our market.”
In keeping with MJBizDaily analysis, the sale of delta-8 THC is banned in some type in at the least 18 states.