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Senate backs substitute to treat intoxicating hemp products as marijuana, restrict retail sales
Summary
Senate substitute for SB974 would align Missouri law with recent federal action by classifying intoxicating hemp‑derived products as marijuana, limiting retail availability (no gas‑station sales), and giving law enforcement authority to pursue mislabeled intoxicating products; sponsors framed it as a child‑safety and consumer‑protection measure while hemp industry advocates warned of harm to legitimate local businesses.
The Missouri Senate moved a substitute for Senate Bill 974 toward perfection after an extended floor debate over how to treat intoxicating hemp‑derived cannabinoid products. Sponsor testimony framed the bill as an immediate consumer‑protection measure that mirrors recent federal action closing perceived hemp “loopholes” and explicitly treats intoxicating products as marijuana so they are regulated and not sold over the counter at convenience stores or gas stations.
Sponsor's position: the sponsor argued undercover testing and law‑enforcement reports show some retail products are inaccurately marketed and can be intoxicating; he said the substitute makes the distinction between non‑intoxicating hemp (which remains lawful) and intoxicating products (which should be subject to marijuana rules and limited retail channels).
Industry and senator concerns: the floor heard a sustained response from a senator who cautioned the measure could harm legitimate hemp businesses and urged delaying state action until the federal regulatory picture is fully settled (a proposed amendment would have made the state effective date coincide with federal rule effectiveness, and would have included a clause to remove or adjust state sections if federal definitions changed). The sponsor said immediate action is necessary for child‑safety and public health, and that the substitute mirrors enacted federal language about finished‑product thresholds and testing.
Enforcement and testing: senators discussed the practical feasibility of enforcement (lab testing capacity, costs) and whether agencies have the resources to identify mislabeled products; the sponsor urged the Attorney General and laboratory capacity be engaged to help enforcement.
What’s next: the Senate declared the substitute perfected and ordered it printed. Sponsors signaled more drafting and coordination with enforcement agencies will follow before any final vote on passage.
