The new face of hemp: Brooklyn Hill takes on the battle for cannabis regulation
“I’m Brooklyn Hill, and I represent the hemp industry.”
When she first made the proclamation during Governor Parson’s press conference announcing the formation of a task force targeting hemp in Missouri, Brooklyn Hill, meant it as an invitation for discourse and a reiteration that the hemp industry agrees, at least in part, with Parson.
What it became, was a resounding call that the old guard of Missouri hemp is gone, and the new chaperone of the industry isn’t afraid to make her voice known.
Brooklyn Hill, the recently appointed President of MO Hemp Trade, has fully embraced her role with a clear and focused mission: to protect and save Missouri’s hemp industry.
Hill, who found her way into hemp when her father and his neighbor plotted a hemp farm and launched Dave’s Doobies, has become a key player in the effort to defend hemp businesses in the state in the time since.
Hill’s journey in the hemp took on a new shape and purpose when her father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. “I took on more responsibility at Dave’s Doobies, got more involved with the legislative process, and before I knew it, I was asked to join the board,” she said. “It wasn’t something I had planned, but once I saw the impact we could make, I felt it was my duty to help guide the industry forward.”
With her deep connection to the industry and commitment to advocacy, Hill is determined to lead Missouri’s hemp operators through these turbulent times.
“I never imagined I’d be in this position,” Hill explained. “But when I got more involved with our bill and the regulatory challenges last session, it became clear that the industry needed strong leadership. I stepped up because I realized this wasn’t just about business—it was about people, their livelihoods, and a product that can genuinely make a difference in people’s lives.”
At the center of the current crisis is the executive order issued by Missouri’s governor, which places severe restrictions on hemp-derived products, particularly edibles and drinkables. For Hill, the order represents not just a regulatory burden but a direct threat to the survival of many small businesses. “The executive order eradicates a crucial part of the hemp industry,” she said. “For years, we’ve been asking for regulation, and instead, we’re facing destruction. It’s incredibly frustrating for those of us who have been fighting for proper oversight.”
In August, Governor Mike Parson issued an Executive Order that would effectively ban the production and sale of hemp-derived edibles and beverages that contain “psychoactive” ingredients, ie THC.
During his announcement, Parson cited an urgent need to remove intoxicating cannabis products from store shelves due to a rise in exposure by minors and children.
Parson ordered DHSS to classify foods containing unregulated psychoactive cannabis products as coming from unapproved sources and to embargo them. The Governor’s order also directed the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control to prohibit the sale of “unregulated psychoactive cannabis products” in liquor-licensed facilities.
In the time since, the Secretary of State’s office rejected emergency rules submitted by the Department of Public Safety, saying there was no reason to forgo the rulemaking process. This launched a public battle or words and positioning between the Secretary of State’s office and the Governor and Attorney General. As the sides battled in public, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services began launching inspections at locations around the state.
For Hill, her members, and their partners, the Governor’s edict is flawed and does more harm than good, as she explains.
“The Governor has stated publicly that his aim is to keep intoxicating products out of the hands of children, that’s our goal, too. But the Governor’s order doesn’t do that.”
Hill points to a lack of any formal requirements for hemp products in her explanation. “There are no age restrictions, there are no testing requirements, there are no packaging requirements; these are things that we as an industry are proposing in our legislation.”
Hill believes that the executive order was implemented without proper consultation with industry stakeholders. “We’ve been asking for a seat at the table for months,” she said. “But instead of working with us to create regulations that make sense, the government has chosen to act unilaterally. The executive order should have been a last resort, not the first step.”
“Now stores are having products destroyed or embargoed that would meet all packaging and labeling requirements,” Hill noted. “These products were behind counters, out of children’s reach, with accurate labels and COAs (certificates of analysis), yet they were still taken. How is this accomplishing the goal?”
Hill and the team at MO Hemp Trade are working diligently to fight back against what they call “ineffective overreach,” actively working on new legislation that addresses the key concerns facing the industry and working with attorneys to slow and stop the enforcement of these inefficient mandates until legislation can be filed.
Hill says the new guard is taking steps to build and rebuild bridges within the legislature, pushing for responsible regulation and effective administration.
“We want regulations, but they need to be fair and reasonable,” she said. “Our legislation includes provisions for age gating, proper testing, and safe packaging. These are all things we’ve been pushing for because we want this industry to be safe and sustainable.”
For Hill, testing is a particularly important aspect of the association’s proposed legislation. “Testing is critical,” she emphasized. “We need to know exactly what’s in these products, not just for compliance but for the safety of consumers. Rigorous testing will help ensure that only high-quality, safe products are available on the market.”
Hill is also quick to point out that the hemp industry and MO Hemp Trade are actively supporting regulation but want to ensure that it’s done right. “There are thousands of Missourians who have invested everything they have into the hemp industry,” she said. “Many of them are small business owners who depend on this industry to feed their families. We want to make sure that bad actors are held accountable, but we also want to protect the good actors who are making and following the rules.”
“My fear is that the Governor’s action is going to wipe out the hemp industry Why eradicate when you can regulate?”
Despite the obstacles, Hill remains hopeful that the situation can be turned around.
MO Hemp Trade has filed an emergency injunction against the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to stop what Hill calls “unlawful enforcement” of the executive order.
While the attorneys handle the battle in the court, Hill and the association are working on outreach and education. Notifying hemp retailers of their rights and what the letter of the law currently says. “We’ve already seen some success,” she said. “There have been cases where businesses stood their ground and refused to let DHSS destroy their products. They knew their rights, and DHSS had no choice but to leave.”
Hill’s ability to unite the hemp industry and bring people together has been instrumental in her leadership role. “From the moment I took on this position, I knew that we had to be a united front,” she said. “I’ve worked closely with people from across the state to make sure we’re all on the same page. It’s about protecting the industry as a whole, not just individual businesses.”
Hill’s vision for MO Hemp Trade goes beyond just navigating the current crisis. She is committed to building a stronger, more resilient hemp industry for the future. “I want to make sure that the Missouri hemp industry is regulated properly so that we never find ourselves in this position again,” she said. “This isn’t just about getting through the next few months—it’s about laying the groundwork for a thriving industry that can support thousands of jobs and provide safe, reliable products for consumers.”
As MO Hemp Trade prepares for the next legislative session, Hill is optimistic about the future. “We’ve got strong legislation ready, and we’re going to keep fighting,” she said. “We’re here to stay, and we’re not going to let this industry be dismantled.”
Hill’s leadership marks a new era for MO Hemp Trade, one defined by transparency, collaboration, and unwavering determination.
“I refuse to lose,” Hill said with confidence. “This industry is worth fighting for, and I’m going to do everything I can to make sure it not only survives but thrives. We are going to save Missouri hemp.”
Brandon Dunn contributed to this article.
