Missouri Hemp Hoax Report Reveals Widespread Sale of Illegal Marijuana Products
A recent report by the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association has uncovered a widespread problem in the state’s hemp industry. The report, titled the Missouri Hemp Hoax Report, found that 96% of products purchased from smoke shops, gas stations, and other retailers were actually marijuana or synthetic THC, rather than legal hemp products.
The report was based on a study of 55 products purchased from retailers across the state. Of those products, 96% contained THC levels above the federal 0.3% hemp threshold, with some products containing as much as 89.3% THC. The report also found that 29% of the samples contained contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, or residual solvents.
The Missouri Cannabis Trade Association claims that hundreds of unregulated stores are selling potent, intoxicating marijuana products disguised as legal hemp. The report includes an interactive map of verified retailers and a list of stores statewide selling THC items outside the licensed system.
The association is calling for stricter regulations on the sale of hemp-derived THC products, citing concerns about public health and safety, particularly for children. The report highlights gaps in enforcement, despite state and federal laws that prohibit unlicensed marijuana sales.
Some critics, however, argue that the report ignores key parts of federal and state law, particularly the rule that products manufactured from hemp are legal, even if the final product contains more than 0.3% THC. A defense attorney in Columbia, Missouri, has argued that the report is misleading and that the hemp industry has been “begging” for regulations on testing, labeling, age limits, and packaging.
The Missouri General Assembly has been asked to impose regulations on the hemp industry, but so far, no action has been taken. The Missouri Cannabis Trade Association is pushing for stricter regulations, citing concerns about public health and safety.
