Missouri lawmakers move to restrict hemp-derived THC products

Missouri lawmakers move to restrict hemp-derived THC products following federal action

Missouri lawmakers are preparing to enact new restrictions on hemp-derived THC products in response to provisions included in the recently enacted federal spending bill.

The federal action allows for the prohibition of many hemp-derived products, including gummies, beverages, pain relief creams, and vapes. According to multiple reports, these products are commonly sold at gas stations and wellness stores across the United States.

State legislation expected to mirror federal ban

State Rep. Mark Meirath, R, District 39, said Missouri legislation will closely follow the federal language.

“In Missouri, the House bill led by Dave Hinneman and David Gregory will mimic identically the federal prohibition,” Meirath said.

Under the proposed regulations, hemp products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC would be restricted.

Meirath said the state bill will begin the pre-filing process on Dec. 1 and is expected to move quickly through the legislative process.

“It’s not going to sit around,” he said. “It will get out of the Speaker’s office pretty quick and get going.”

Public hearings and fast-moving timeline

Once introduced, the bill will be assigned to a committee and include a public hearing where supporters and opponents can speak.

Meirath said the legislation will be treated as a priority item and is expected to advance rapidly during the upcoming session.

If passed, the law would take effect immediately and would likely bypass the typical 90 day waiting period without the need for an emergency clause.

Hemp businesses to follow marijuana licensing rules

Under the proposal, hemp businesses would be required to follow the same licensing and regulatory framework used for legalized marijuana in Missouri.

Meirath said the push for stricter regulations stems from concerns about loopholes in existing laws that manufacturers have used to sell high THC products under the hemp designation.

“It’s a gray area, and they found that in the law and exploited it,” he said. “This has to be regulated. Even if it were legal, I would still support making it illegal for all ages, but it’s already in our Constitution. It’s here, and it is not going away, so now it has to be regulated by the state.”

Enforcement to include health officials and law enforcement

Enforcement of the new regulations would follow what Meirath described as a “top-down, bottom-up” approach.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services would continue oversight, while law enforcement agencies would retain enforcement authority.

“For example, if police officers went to a convenience store, they could enforce whatever laws or restrictions are put in place,” Meirath said. “It would be similar to a business selling alcohol to a minor, where enforcement action could be taken.”

What consumers and businesses should expect

As Missouri moves to align state law with the new federal provisions, stricter enforcement is expected by spring 2026.

Once implemented, legal sales of hemp-derived THC products would face immediate limitations. State officials are encouraging both businesses and consumers to stay informed as regulations and oversight evolve.

Other Changes at the Federal Level

In separate discussions at the federal level, President Donald Trump has signaled support for reclassifying marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act, a move that would ease some federal restrictions on cannabis by shifting it from Schedule I to Schedule III.

While that proposal could reduce barriers for marijuana research, banking, and taxation, it would not affect the new federal restrictions on hemp-derived THC products included in the recent federal spending bill.

Those hemp provisions target a separate category of products and are designed to close loopholes from the 2018 Farm Bill, meaning Missouri’s proposed crackdown on hemp THC products would move forward regardless of any changes to federal marijuana classification.