The Missouri attorney general’s office has sued four cannabis retailers, accusing them of selling marijuana products labeled as hemp.
The lawsuits allege the retailers sold products that exceed legal THC limits for hemp, according to a Wednesday news release from Attorney General Catherine Hanaway’s office.
The state also alleges that several businesses deceptively presented themselves as licensed marijuana dispensaries.
What are Missouri prosecutors alleging?
The lawsuits name four retailers operating across Missouri:
- Puffers Choice LLC in Aurora.
- CBD Kratom Cannabis Dispensary in Des Peres.
- Herb Depot in Independence.
- Token THC Dispensary in Rock Port.
According to a petition filed in Jackson County Circuit Court, Herb Depot displayed prominent “cannabis dispensary” signage despite lacking a license from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
The state also alleges that laboratory testing found a cannabis flower product sold by the retailer, identified as “DOAP,” contained THC levels exceeding the legal limit for hemp.
“Missourians deserve honesty and legality from the businesses operating in their communities. The days of drug pushers masquerading as licensed dispensaries are over,” Hanaway said in a statement.
“These businesses concealed the true nature of their products, misled consumers and put profits ahead of public safety. Our office will continue using every tool available to hold bad actors accountable and protect Missouri families.”
The attorney general’s office is seeking civil penalties, injunctions and other remedies. In three of the lawsuits, prosecutors also are seeking to have the businesses designated as statutory drug-den public nuisances.
The enforcement actions come as Missouri moves to tighten oversight of intoxicating cannabinoid products, with key provisions of House Bill 2641 set to take effect on Nov. 12.
The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri on Wednesday dismissed a legal challenge to HB 2641, according to the attorney general’s office.
The plaintiffs argued the law conflicted with federal hemp regulations and violated constitutional protections, according to the federal court docket.
The dismissal removes an immediate legal obstacle ahead of the law’s scheduled implementation on Nov. 12.
Under the federal definition in effect at the time of the lawsuits, hemp may contain no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis. Products exceeding that limit are classified as marijuana under federal law.
HB 2641 brings covered hemp-derived cannabinoid products under Missouri’s regulated marijuana framework, requiring certain activities, including retail sales, to be conducted by state-licensed businesses.
The law also restricts unlicensed retailers from using the word “dispensary” in their business names.
Why do the licensing claims matter?
Licensed marijuana retailers pay fees, collect state and local taxes and submit products for mandatory testing. Hemp retailers operating outside the regulated marijuana market have not been subject to the same licensing requirements and compliance costs.
That disparity has drawn criticism from licensed operators in Missouri and other states. Many argue that hemp-derived products sold outside regulated channels undercut legal businesses and may expose consumers to products that have not undergone the same mandatory testing.
Missouri voters approved adult-use marijuana in 2022, and licensed sales began in early 2023.
Since then, intoxicating hemp products have remained available in convenience stores, smoke shops and standalone retail outlets across the state.
The lawsuits underscore Missouri’s efforts to crack down on retailers accused of selling marijuana outside its licensed market while also targeting businesses that allegedly misrepresent their regulatory status to consumers.
