Missouri House committee hears divided testimony on HB 696 over hemp‑derived intoxicants and market access

At a Missouri House committee hearing, witnesses testified both for and against House Bill 696, a proposal to regulate hemp‑derived products and to address whether intoxicating products made from hemp fall under the federal hemp framework established in the 2018 farm bill.

The bill matters because it would determine who may sell federally lawful hemp products in Missouri, how those products are tested and labeled, and whether a separate regulatory approach is needed from the state’s marijuana licensing system. Supporters told the committee HB 696 would protect small hemp businesses and permit broad retail access; opponents said federal law and recent federal policy make an important legal distinction between non‑intoxicating hemp and intoxicating cannabis.

Ethan Thampy, representative of American Shaman and affiliated beverage company Purellis Kana, testified in favor. Thampy said he has worked on cannabinoid policy for 16 years and urged that the committee consider adopting distribution language similar to the three‑tier alcohol system. "We've been working with Representative Hinman... specifically regarding beverage distribution and... the 3 tier…