Missouri Governor creates task force to combat unregulated cannabis
On Tuesday, Governor Mike Parson and Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced the formation of a joint task force aimed at combating the spread of unregulated psychoactive cannabis products in Missouri.
The initiative, unveiled during a press conference at the State Capitol, is a collaboration between the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) and the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC).
This action follows the recent rejection of emergency rules submitted by the Missouri Department of Public Safety to the Secretary of State’s Office following Executive Order 24-10.
Representatives of the SOS office had denied the application of emergency rules stating that DPS failed to provide adequate proof of an emergency need, forcing the changes through the formal rulemaking process.
“While some may not see this as an emergency, we believe these products are a threat to Missouri’s children,” said Parson. “Together, we will work to eliminate these products from our communities until the General Assembly enacts regulations.”
Attorney General Bailey emphasized the AGO’s commitment to protecting consumers through legal action against deceptive marketing practices. “Missourians have the right to know what’s in the products they consume,” Bailey stated. “We are establishing a dedicated unit within our Consumer Protection Division to investigate and prosecute violations.”
The task force will oversee the investigation of licensed facilities suspected of selling unregulated cannabis products, focusing on deceptive marketing and illegal sales. The ATC will handle investigations and evidence collection, referring cases to the AGO, which will use the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act to take legal action.
ATC State Supervisor Mike Leara reiterated the agency’s dedication to public safety, stating, “We are committed to protecting Missourians from harmful products and look forward to this partnership with the Attorney General.”
The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is also involved, continuing to embargo unregulated cannabis food products found in Missouri. At the same time, DHSS publicly announced on Tuesday that it was
rescinding a prior memo related to psychoactive cannabis products. ”
“The Department of Health and Senior Services is withdrawing the Memo for Missouri Food Retails and Wholesalers Executive Order 24-10 Implementation, issued August 29, 2024. The Department will continue to embargo food containing unregulated psychoactive cannabis products, as directed by Executive Order 24-10,” a release read.
Since September 1, DHSS has inspected 64 facilities, finding unregulated products at 39 locations and embargoing nearly 9,000 items during that time.
Read the full press release for Governor Parson here.
