Small Missouri businesses facing extinction with Gov. Parsons' Executive Order
Missouri - August 7, 2024 (USANews.com) - Governor Mike Parson’s recent executive order 24-10, which restricts the sale of certain hemp products, presents a significant challenge to Missouri’s hemp industry. This industry has experienced substantial growth and innovation since the 2018 Farm Bill. This will decimate the majority of hemp farmers, manufacturers and retailers in Missouri. 1000's of small businesses will be forced to move or close down.
Author and Farmer at Slap Happy Hemp, John Grady, commented, "This move takes out our beverage line and sets precedent for the marijuana industry to squash competition through the government." To read more from John Grady click here.
Impact on Missouri’s Hemp Industry
The executive order focuses on unregulated psychoactive cannabis products, such as delta-8 THC and similar compounds, citing child safety concerns. Neither THCA nor Delta 9 were mentioned in the Executive Order. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reported that unregulated hemp products account for 41% of cannabis-related calls to poison control. However, that leaves 59% of calls coming from legal or illegal marijuana products. There weren't any points on what DHSS plans to do with regulating the marijuana side having the majority of the cannabis related poison control calls.
Impact on Missouri’s Hemp Industry
The executive order focuses on unregulated psychoactive cannabis products, such as delta-8 THC and similar compounds, citing child safety concerns. Neither THCA nor Delta 9 were mentioned in the Executive Order. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reported that unregulated hemp products account for 41% of cannabis-related calls to poison control. However, that leaves 59% of calls coming from legal or illegal marijuana products. There weren't any points on what DHSS plans to do with regulating the marijuana side having the majority of the cannabis related poison control calls.
Regulatory Considerations
The executive order does not affect online sales or sales outside the control of the Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC), impacting primarily Missouri-owned retailers and manufacturers. This has raised questions about the scope and effectiveness of the order in achieving its stated goals. It also seeks regulations to be done by DHSS. DHSS has been the regulation body of Missouri's Medical and Recreational Marijuana program. This has raised a lot of concerns that DHSS would likely include hemp into the same program as marijuana. Most Marijuana license holders are out of state companies and this could be detrimental for hemp within the state.
The executive order does not affect online sales or sales outside the control of the Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC), impacting primarily Missouri-owned retailers and manufacturers. This has raised questions about the scope and effectiveness of the order in achieving its stated goals. It also seeks regulations to be done by DHSS. DHSS has been the regulation body of Missouri's Medical and Recreational Marijuana program. This has raised a lot of concerns that DHSS would likely include hemp into the same program as marijuana. Most Marijuana license holders are out of state companies and this could be detrimental for hemp within the state.
Industry and Legislative Dynamics
During the 2024 Missouri General Assembly session, there were efforts to introduce regulations for hemp-derived cannabinoids. However, discussions highlighted differing views between the hemp and marijuana industries on regulation and sales. Members of the hemp industry have tried to push for regulations for the last 2 sessions.
Marijuana Licensing and Industry Developments
The process for marijuana licensing in Missouri has faced scrutiny, with many applications denied and several lawsuits filed. These developments have sparked debates about fairness and transparency within the industry. This isn't the first time Parsons' has faced criticism involving the marijuana industry.
Looking Forward
The executive order's implications for Missouri’s hemp industry are significant, and stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation. The hemp industry continues to advocate for fair and equitable regulation that supports legal small businesses. For more information on the fight to help small businesses in the Missouri hemp industry, please visit Mohemptrade or contact 573-200-6291
During the 2024 Missouri General Assembly session, there were efforts to introduce regulations for hemp-derived cannabinoids. However, discussions highlighted differing views between the hemp and marijuana industries on regulation and sales. Members of the hemp industry have tried to push for regulations for the last 2 sessions.
Marijuana Licensing and Industry Developments
The process for marijuana licensing in Missouri has faced scrutiny, with many applications denied and several lawsuits filed. These developments have sparked debates about fairness and transparency within the industry. This isn't the first time Parsons' has faced criticism involving the marijuana industry.
Looking Forward
The executive order's implications for Missouri’s hemp industry are significant, and stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation. The hemp industry continues to advocate for fair and equitable regulation that supports legal small businesses. For more information on the fight to help small businesses in the Missouri hemp industry, please visit Mohemptrade or contact 573-200-6291
Email- info@MOhemptrade.org
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