Missouri Governor Issues Executive Order to Regulate Unregulated Psychoactive Cannabis Products — Greenway Magazine

Posted on August 2, 2024 by darion

Governor Michael L. Parson issued Executive Order 24-10 ordering new regulations to address the safety concerns of unregulated psychoactive cannabis products in Missouri.

The regulation, effective September 1, 2024, directs the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to classify foods containing these substances as unapproved and adulterated.

Solving the problem of unregulated cannabis products

The Executive Order highlights the lack of safety standards and packaging requirements for various psychoactive cannabis compounds, including delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-O), tetrahydrocannabiforal (THCP), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). Governor Parson emphasized the health risks these unregulated products pose, especially to children.

“Many Missourians have experienced adverse effects from consuming edibles laced with unregulated psychoactive cannabis products,” the order stated, noting hospitalizations among children who consumed the substances.

Regulatory Actions and Obligations

Under Chapter 196 of the Missouri Revised Statutes (RSMo), the DHSS is responsible for protecting the public health in the area of food safety. The order directs the DHSS to align its regulations with federal standards, specifically the standards of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which require premarket approval for food additives. Currently, no psychoactive cannabis products have received FDA approval as food additives, making foods containing these substances adulterated.

The Executive Order further authorizes DHSS to embargo and condemn foods containing unregulated psychoactive cannabis products under Sections 196.070 and 196.085, RSMo. These measures exclude products regulated by the Division of Cannabis Regulation, provided that all psychoactive cannabinoids originate from licensed establishments under Article XIV of the Missouri Constitution.

Consequences for premises licensed to sell alcohol

The Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control is also set to change its regulations to prohibit the sale of unregulated psychoactive cannabis products on premises with a liquor license. This amendment is intended to provide a safe environment for Missourians by eliminating the sale of potentially harmful substances on premises serving alcohol.

Social awareness and implementation

Governor Parson has tasked DHSS with developing and distributing information on how these new regulations will be enforced. This initiative is critical to informing the public and stakeholders about the changes and their impact on food safety in Missouri.

The executive order is an important step toward regulating the consumption of psychoactive cannabis products in Missouri. It is intended to protect public health and safety, especially among vulnerable groups such as children.

The full text of Executive Order 24-10 can be viewed below.

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