A hemp farmer standing firm against a panel of elected officials asking questions.

Missouri's Moment: Can it Lead the Charge for Balanced Hemp Regulation

houseJohn Grady May 8, 2024

Nationwide, the hemp industry is grappling with regulatory challenges. States like Florida and Wyoming are encountering legislation that could significantly affect businesses. In Missouri, we face a push to regulate hemp products similarly to marijuana, which will limit sales and accessibility. This has ignited debates within the industry, underscoring the necessity for a balanced approach that acknowledges hemp's economic and community contributions while ensuring safety and legal compliance.

State-by-State Regulatory Landscape

Iowa

In Iowa, the medical marijuana sector is competing with the federally legal hemp industry, resulting in financial setbacks for medical marijuana businesses and leading some to exit the state. As a result of cannabis companies leaving, legislation is in progress to mitigate these issues by implementing tighter regulations on hemp-derived THC products.

Florida

The fate of Florida's hemp industry is in Governor DeSantis' hands, pending his decision on SB-1698. This bill, which unanimously passed the Florida Senate, outlaws delta-8 THC products, destroying the livelihoods of industry stalwarts. It aims to regulate delta-8 and delta-10 products, the state claims are exploiting a legal loophole from the 2018 farm bill. Opponents argue that these restrictions could:

  • Disadvantage medical users
  • Disrupt job markets
  • Heighten competition for dispensaries
  • Potentially impact potential recreational marijuana legalization

Wyoming

Wyoming's hemp farmers and producers are apprehensive about the potential repercussions of bills SF0032, HB106, and SF107 on the state's hemp sector. They emphasize the critical role of hemp businesses in the local economy and community, including:

  • Job creation
  • Community initiatives

Farmers are urging legislators to recognize the impact of these bills and to advocate for the benefits of hemp.

Missouri's Regulatory Challenges: The Delta Extraction Case

During a pivotal three-day hearing in Missouri, the spotlight was on Delta Extraction's engagement with hemp-derived THC, which had been known to state regulators before a considerable recall of marijuana products incorporating this substance. This incident unfolded against the backdrop of newly established regulations explicitly prohibiting such practices.

Key points of the case include:

  • Delta continued to market its products
  • The company maintained their actions were within a regulatory gray area
  • The state argued that Delta's activities endangered public health
  • Delta insisted on the legality of their operations

Legislative Implications

The case illuminated the intricate regulatory landscape within Missouri, revealing tensions between the hemp and marijuana industries. Legislative attempts through SB 984 and HB 1781 seek to bring adult-use hemp products under the stringent oversight of the Department of Cannabis Regulation.

The Missouri hemp industry views these proposals as:

  • A de facto prohibition
  • A challenge to the legitimacy of hemp-derived THC
  • An opportunity to argue for clear, fair regulations

Moving Forward: A Call for Balanced Regulation

The Missouri hemp community is united in the push for a regulatory environment that not only safeguards public safety and complies with the law but also promotes the sustainable growth and innovation of the hemp sector.

Missouri has the chance to show the country how to regulate hemp in a way that:

  • Preserves the industry
  • Ignites further innovations
  • Serves as a beacon of progress and ingenuity

Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to balanced policy-making, Missouri can demonstrate how fair, practical, and reasonable regulation can propel an industry forward.