Missouri officials have proposed new medical cannabis industry rules that would allow them to hold promotional events and publicize price discounts, backtracking on a previous directive prohibiting promotional activities, the Springfield News-Leader reports. Under the proposal, any promotional activities would be required to include a disclaimer that reads: “Medical decisions should not be made based on advertising. Consult a physician on the benefits and risks of particular medical marijuana products.”
In a statement last week, the Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association, or MoCannTrade, said medical cannabis patients “were harmed by the former rule.” Andrew Mullins, the organization’s executive director, told the News-Leader that “it is absolutely essential that patients have accurate, timely information and education that allows them to make good health decisions, and that’s exactly what this rule rewrite will allow them to do.”
“Robust patient education is crucial to the program’s continued success, and we are thankful DHSS recognized and acted on patients’ behalf. The program is stronger today for that responsiveness.” — Mullins to the News-Leader
The proposal also includes a ban on hemp-derived Delta-8 THC, stating that “Dispensary facilities may not sell any product that contains cannabinoids created through chemical conversion of other compounds.”
The rules update also include guidance on drive-thru windows for medical cannabis dispensaries, a ban on dispensaries hosting telehealth clinics on-site for patients to obtain program ID cards, and requirements that all dispensary workers be at least 18-years-old.
The guidance includes provisions to allow dispensaries to sell cannabis seeds and immature plants — less than 8 inches tall — to patients as long as they are obtained from licensed cultivators. Under the rule, dispensaries would be prohibited from caring for the plants aside from watering them.
A Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS) spokesperson told the News-Leader said the agency will accept public feedback on the new proposal until November 18.
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