JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A new task force has been established by Missouri state officials to address the spread of unregulated psychoactive cannabis products.
This initiative follows an executive order aimed at banning certain unregulated hemp-infused products, which was met with resistance from Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft in August.
These products often mimic popular brand-name foods and candies such as Life Savers and Mike & Ike’s. The executive order to prohibit the sale of these unregulated products was set to go into effect on September 1, but emergency rules were rejected.
The task force is a collaboration between the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC). The ATC will lead investigations into licensees selling unregulated psychoactive cannabis products, gather evidence of misleading marketing practices, and refer cases to the attorney general’s office.
Attorney General Andrew Bailey will establish a specialized unit within the Consumer Protection division to handle referrals from the ATC and pursue legal action.
“Under state law, Missourians have the right to know the contents of the products they or their children consume. That is why we are enhancing our investigation into these harmful, illicit products by formalizing a specialized unit within my Consumer Protection Division to handle referrals from the ATC,” said Bailey. “We are committed to upholding the law to safeguard our children every step of the way.”
According to an April 2024 health advisory from Missouri DHSS, consuming unregulated psychoactive cannabis products can lead to poisoning, unexpected intoxication, cognitive impairment, nausea, vomiting, and other risks.
