Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) on Thursday signed an executive order to ban the sale of intoxicating, hemp-infused products unless they come from an “approved source,” according to a FOX2 report.
The order bans hemp-derived products containing delta-8 and delta-10 THC, hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-O), tetrahydrocannabiphoral (THCP), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV).
The governor said the state has seen a 600% increase in the number of young children who have experienced cannabis poisoning, and that the executive order targets hemp products that are currently distributed “without regulation.”
“Unlike the marijuana products effectively regulated by our division of cannabis regulation, these hemp-derived, psychoactive products are not required to undergo a robust screening to help ensure consumer health and safety.” — Department of Health and Senior Services Director Paula Nickelson, via FOX2
The governor confirmed that adult-use cannabis products — which are legal in Missouri when sourced from a state-licensed cannabis operator — will be unaffected by the executive order, which will take effect on September 1.
“Protecting Missourians, especially the most vulnerable, our children, has been our guiding principle since the very beginning and remains so today,” Parson said in the report.
The Missouri Hemp Trade Association issued a statement opposing the ban shortly after the governor’s announcement: “Here in Missouri, the Missouri Hemp Trade Association continues to support the lawful product and sale of all federally authorized and approved hemp derived products. We estimate there are nearly 10,000 retail points of sale for legal hemp products in Missouri, supporting tens of thousands of jobs.”
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