New hemp restrictions affect Missouri businesses
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.
New state restrictions on hemp-derived THC products are affecting businesses across Missouri, with some owners saying they're being forced to close.
Missouri House Bill 2641 changes how the state regulates hemp-derived cannabinoid products, including THC-infused beverages, gummies and other products.
Cannabinoids are chemicals found in cannabis plants, including hemp. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound that can make a person feel high. CBD (cannabidiol) is another cannabinoid often used in products marketed for pain relief, anxiety and sleep.
Under the new restrictions, many intoxicating hemp-derived products are now considered marijuana and generally can only be sold through state-authorized marijuana facilities, such as licensed dispensaries.
In Union, Missouri, Brian Riegel, co-owner of South Point Hemp, said Wednesday was his business's last day selling products. The company has operated since 2020.
Riegel said the law is confusing and overly restrictive, making it difficult for small hemp businesses to continue operating.
He said his company grew hemp on his dairy farm through a federally authorized program and extracted CBD and other cannabinoids to make products such as chocolates, fruit chews, gummies and salves.
Riegel said most of his products contained lower doses of THC and were marketed toward customers seeking relief from issues such as pain, arthritis and sleep problems. He also uses some of the products himself.
“This stuff's a game changer for people. Like, I got arthritis in my feet. The arches of my feet are upside down from your arches. I don't walk without CBD, or I got to be sitting there chucking down Aleves or ibuprofens or Tylenol or a combo of those all day long. My gut ain't going to handle that for the rest of my life,” Riegel said.
Riegel said closing the business meant laying off five to six employees. He also said he is left with a significant amount of inventory he can no longer legally sell.
In Columbia, Ethan Jones, owner of MindRight Wellness, has also announced on Facebook that he is closing his business. Jones has been posting about trying to sell off his remaining inventory.
But Jack Cardetti with the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association says the new restrictions are intended to bring Missouri law in line with federal law.
Cardetti said products containing intoxicating cannabinoids were never intended to be sold in places like gas stations and convenience stores.
He said the new regulations clarify where these products can legally be sold.
Check back for updates to this developing story.
