Missouri House Votes to Eliminate Hemp-Derived THC Products

The Missouri House of Representatives passed legislation Thursday that would prohibit the sale of intoxicating hemp products, including THC-infused beverages and edibles currently available at gas stations and convenience stores. The ban would take effect in November.

The bill represents Missouri's effort to close what lawmakers view as a loophole in federal hemp regulations. "We're not pioneering anything new here," said the bill's sponsor, according to reporting by Rebecca Rivas of Missouri Independent. "What Missouri is doing…is simply aligning our state statutes with the federal action."

The legislation comes as states nationwide grapple with an unintended consequence of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. Manufacturers have exploited this threshold by creating products with alternative cannabinoids like delta-8 THC and THC-A, which convert to intoxicating compounds when consumed but technically meet federal hemp standards.

Market Impact

Missouri's move could significantly disrupt the state's hemp-derived THC market, which has flourished in gas stations, smoke shops, and online retailers since federal hemp legalization. These products have operated in a gray area—legal under federal hemp rules but competing directly with Missouri's regulated adult-use cannabis market, which voters approved in 2022.

The timing is notable. Missouri's licensed cannabis dispensaries have faced criticism over high prices and limited product variety since the adult-use market launched. Hemp-derived THC products offered consumers a cheaper, more accessible alternative, though without the testing requirements and regulatory oversight applied to licensed cannabis.

Industry observers note that Missouri joins at least 15 other states that have moved to restrict or ban intoxicating hemp products. North Carolina, Minnesota, and Oregon have implemented similar measures, while Texas and Florida are considering comparable legislation this session.

The Regulatory Gap

The debate centers on a fundamental question: should products that produce marijuana-like effects be regulated as cannabis, regardless of their hemp classification? Supporters of the ban argue that intoxicating products belong under the state's cannabis regulatory framework, where they're subject to testing, potency limits, and retail restrictions.

Critics counter that the legislation could eliminate legitimate hemp businesses that have operated legally under federal law. Some hemp industry advocates have called for regulation rather than prohibition, suggesting Missouri could create a separate licensing system for hemp-derived intoxicating products.

What's Next

The bill now moves to the Missouri Senate, where its fate remains uncertain. If passed and signed by the governor, retailers would have until November to clear their shelves of affected products.

The legislation would not affect non-intoxicating hemp products like CBD oils and topicals, which would remain legal under both state and federal law. Licensed cannabis dispensaries would continue operating under existing regulations.

Missouri's cannabis regulators have not yet commented on how they would enforce the ban or whether they plan to offer hemp businesses a pathway to enter the regulated market. The state's Department of Health and Senior Services, which oversees cannabis licensing, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Several other state legislatures are watching Missouri's approach as they consider their own responses to the hemp-derived THC market. The outcome could influence how other states balance hemp industry interests with cannabis market regulation.

This article is based on original reporting by www.marijuanamoment.net.