When Missouri voters legalized cannabis, it became one of the fastest-growing regulated industries in the country. But in just a few short years, that success is being threatened by a shadow market — products made from “intoxicating hemp” and sold at gas stations and smoke shops without testing, regulation, or taxes.

Dave Craig, vice president of marketing for From the Earth, explains how the 2018 Farm Bill unintentionally opened a loophole that allows the sale of synthetic THC and hemp-derived intoxicants. These unregulated products not only evade the strict testing and compliance required by law but have also been found to contain dangerous levels of solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals.

As Craig and McCormick discuss, this unbalanced system is hurting Missouri’s legal businesses, stripping millions from state tax revenue, and putting public health at risk. Without stronger enforcement and legislative clarity, the future of Missouri’s legitimate cannabis industry and the thousands of jobs it supports could be in jeopardy.

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