[[{“value”:”
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) A newly drafted ballot initiative created by Missouri hemp industry leaders is sparking debate as it seeks to loosen regulations on hemp-derived THC products like delta-8 and delta-9 THC.
If passed, the measure would allow these compounds to be sold in gas stations, smoke shops and convenience stores without the strict testing, packaging and licensing requirements that govern Missouri’s legal marijuana market.
The proposal has drawn strong opposition from public health advocates and some licensed cannabis businesses.
Luke Niforatos, Executive Vice President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), marked the initiative as “a Trojan horse effort to get super high potency, dangerous marijuana into gas stations, liquor stores and convenience stores with basically zero safeguards.”
He warned the measure could lead to increased youth access and public health risks, pointing to THC gummies, flavored vapes, and other products that may appeal to minors.
Currently, Missouri law treats hemp-derived products similarly to marijuana, but loopholes in state regulations have allowed these products to proliferate in unlicensed retail settings.
The new initiative would make this legal gray area permanent by preventing the state from imposing additional restrictions.
Niforatos expressed particular concern about the safety of chemically synthesized hemp products.
“We don’t know all the additives and chemical processes being used to create these THC compounds,” he said. “These hemp products might actually be more harmful than the marijuana that was legalized a few years ago.”
The measure is still being finalized before being submitted for public review and signature collection.
If enough valid signatures are gathered, the proposal could appear on a future Missouri election, to which Niforatos states SAM will increase efforts to educate the public on the potentially dangerous effects of hemp products.
Opponents to the ballot argue the initiative’s backers have a history of questionable decisions regarding cannabis policy and allege that deregulation could lead to increased addiction and health problems.
KQ2 will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
”}]] (ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) A newly drafted ballot initiative created by Missouri hemp industry leaders is sparking debate as it seeks to loosen regulations on hemp-derived THC products like delta-8 and Read More
