Missouri Governor Receives 10,000 Letters Opposing Hemp Industry Ban
Governor faces mounting pressure as hemp industry delivers 10,000 handwritten letters opposing legislation that could eliminate Missouri’s entire hemp sector.
JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI — Gov. Mike Kehoe received 10,000 handwritten letters Tuesday urging him to reject legislation that would ban intoxicating hemp products statewide, as Missouri’s hemp industry mobilizes against what advocates call an industry-ending measure.
The letters, collected in just 10 days from small-business owners, farmers, and customers across Missouri, arrived as the bill awaits the governor’s signature. Kehoe’s office was expecting to receive the legislation Tuesday, according to spokeswoman Gabrielle Picard, giving him 15 days to decide whether to sign or veto the measure.
“These are voices of Missourians that want their voices to be heard,” said Jay Patel, president of Missouri Hemp Trade Association, during a press conference on the Missouri Capitol steps Tuesday. “The bill sits on the governor’s desk, and if signed, it would effectively eliminate an entire industry in Missouri — the hemp industry — regardless of any federal change in legislation or extensions that may occur.”
Federal Uncertainty Complicates State Action
The legislation, sponsored by state Rep. Dave Hinman of O’Fallon, emerges amid uncertainty over federal regulations for intoxicating hemp products. Congress included provisions in a federal spending package that would ban such products starting Nov. 12, but there’s possibility lawmakers could delay implementation or establish different regulations for specific products like beverages or CBD items with small amounts of THC.
Under Missouri’s proposed bill, all intoxicating hemp products would disappear from shelves starting Nov. 12, including THC seltzers currently sold in bars and grocery stores. The timing matches the federal ban, but opponents worry Missouri’s approach could prove more restrictive than whatever federal lawmakers ultimately decide.
Restrictive Sales Framework Proposed
If Congress reverses course and allows continued sales of these products, Missouri would only permit them in licensed marijuana dispensaries under the current bill language. Should Congress delay the federal ban, Missouri would still prohibit all products except intoxicating beverages.
Brian Riegel, Missouri Hemp Trade Association treasurer, handled boxes of opposition letters delivered to the governor’s office, representing what the industry describes as grassroots pushback against the legislation.
The hemp industry argues the bill could eliminate their sector even if federal authorities pull back from the November ban or extend deadlines for compliance. Industry representatives contend Missouri’s framework would create barriers that don’t exist at the federal level, potentially putting local businesses at a disadvantage compared to operations in neighboring states.
Kehoe now faces pressure from both sides as he weighs whether to sign legislation that supporters argue would provide clarity for law enforcement and opponents claim would destroy legitimate businesses operating under current state guidelines.
