Delta-8 Cannabis Banned in Missouri After Gov. Parson’s Order

Missouri Governor Signs Executive Order Banning Unregulated Cannabis Products

Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed an executive order on Thursday banning the sale of unregulated foods containing psychoactive cannabis compounds. The order specifically targets products such as Delta-8, an unregulated intoxicating hemp product, and restricts their sale in the state.

Governor’s Executive Order

The executive order mandates the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to “embargo and condemn” unregulated psychoactive cannabis products. This includes Delta-8, a hemp-derived compound that has gained popularity due to its psychoactive effects. The order also prohibits the sale of these products at retail establishments holding a liquor license.

Ban on Unapproved Sources

According to the press release, psychoactive cannabis products are outlawed unless they originate from an approved source. However, currently, no sources are approved by the FDA or the state of Missouri, effectively prohibiting the sale of these products in the state. Future approvals by the FDA or the state could potentially change this status, allowing for regulated sales.

Disciplinary Actions for Violations

Retail establishments caught selling the outlawed products face potential disciplinary action from the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. This underscores the state’s commitment to enforcing the new regulations and ensuring that unregulated psychoactive products are not sold to consumers.

Exemption for Regulated Products

The executive order explicitly exempts products regulated by the Division of Cannabis Regulation under the Missouri Constitution. This means that legally regulated cannabis products, such as those sold for medical use, are not affected by the new ban.

Concerns About Delta-8

The dangers of Delta-8 have been a topic of concern in Missouri. In April, a group of Missouri police chiefs called for the ban of Delta-8 products, citing confusing packaging and an increase in hospitalizations among children. Lake Saint Louis Police Chief Chris DiGiuseppi noted, “It’s packaged to look like candy and snacks, so it seems to be targeting our younger people, marketing to them, and since it looks like candy and looks like snacks, it doesn’t look like it’s that harmful.”

Ease of Access

Investigations have shown how easy it is to obtain Delta-8 products. Reporter Mercedes Mackay from 5 On Your Side demonstrated this by purchasing Delta-8 from a gas station without having to show identification, highlighting the accessibility and lack of regulation surrounding these products.

Implications for Retailers and Consumers

The executive order has significant implications for both retailers and consumers in Missouri. Retailers must now ensure that they are not selling unregulated psychoactive cannabis products or face penalties. Consumers, on the other hand, will find it more challenging to access these products, which may drive a demand for regulated alternatives.

Governor Mike Parson’s executive order represents a decisive move to regulate the sale of psychoactive cannabis products in Missouri. By targeting unregulated substances like Delta-8, the state aims to protect public health and ensure that cannabis products are safe for consumption. As the landscape of cannabis regulation continues to evolve, both retailers and consumers will need to adapt to these new legal requirements.