These cannabis products were ordered off some Missouri store shelves. Here’s why
Update Aug. 22: Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft blocked this executive order, delaying the implementation by six months or more.
Last Friday, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson issued an executive order prohibiting some businesses from selling items containing psychoactive cannabis compounds, including Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC. Here’s what this means for consumers.
Starting Sept. 1, only state-licensed dispensaries will be allowed to sell hemp-derived edibles and drinks, according to Executive Order 24-10.
In addition, retail establishments that hold a liquor license, like gas stations or liquor stores, will be prohibited from selling any type of “psychoactive cannabis products.” This includes hemp-derived vapes or pre-rolled joints, in addition to foods.
Some liquor and convenience stores have a large selection of THC products. At one such Kansas City store, Royal Liquor on Southwest Boulevard, a large case full of THC products loomed over shoppers Monday. Manager JD Ali said 10% of the store’s sales come from these products, which he will be unable to sell under the new law.
Shops found to violate the executive order could face penalties from the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control.
Which types of cannabis are affected?
The executive order targets hemp-derived compounds, including:
Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Delta-10 THC
HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol)
THC-O (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
THCP (Tetrahydrocannabiphoral)
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
Other similar compounds
Hemp and marijuana are two types of cannabis that both contain THC, but in much lower amounts in hemp. Missouri says hemp plants undergo a chemical conversion process to produce compounds like Delta-8 THC, and that can introduce new problems.
What products would be affected?
Stores would be prohibited from selling edible products containing “psychoactive cannabis,” including drinks. The Star visited two Kansas City retailers and found THC-infused chocolates, caramels, gummies, edibles, tea and seltzer water.
Can I still consume these products?
Missourians are still free to eat or drink the THC products, the Associated Press reported. In a press conference, Parson said that the rules “are not here to punish consumers,” according to the AP.
Where can I buy hemp-derived edibles and drinks after Sept. 1?
The executive order does not apply to official dispensaries. Recognizable by their security checkpoint asking for IDs or medical cards, there are more than 200 state-licensed dispensaries in Missouri.
More than 40 of them were licensed in the Kansas City area in April 2024. Last month, three dispensary licenses were randomly awarded in the metro, out of 186 applicants.
What is the concern about THC and similar compounds?
Both the Missouri DHSS and the Food and Drug Administration have warned consumers about Delta-8 and similar hemp-derived substances. They said that kids may accidentally eat products containing THC due to packaging similar to that of candies or cookies, and the products could lead to negative effects.
The FDA says that Delta-8 products have not been evaluated by the agency, so any health claims touted by the products should be approached skeptically.
Additionally, Missouri says that makers of hemp-derived compounds are not required to disclose the amount of intoxicating substances in their products in the same way that marijuana manufacturers do.
As a result, consumption of these products has led to hallucinations, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tremors, loss of conciousness or even death, according to the DHSS.
What are cannabis groups saying about the move?
Parsons’ executive order drew opposing reactions from the marijuana industry and hemp producers, since it could bring more business to dispensaries.
The Missouri Hemp Trade Association said in a message to members Friday that the move poses “a significant challenge to our industry’s growth and legality.” The Missouri Cannabis Trade Association showed its support of the governor’s move on Facebook, saying it helps to curb “considerable public health and safety concerns.”
Have more questions about marijuana in the Kansas City area? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
This story was originally published August 6, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
