Missouri Legislature Addresses Cannabis Regulation and Law Enforcement Policies

LOS ANGELES— The 2024 legislative session in Missouri, convened in Jefferson City, has sparked significant discussions on cannabis regulation, with a particular focus on cannabinoid products and law enforcement practices.

Senate Bill 984, championed by Senator Nick Schroer (R-St. Charles County), proposes a major shift in the state’s approach to regulating cannabinoid products, such as Delta-8 drinks and edibles derived from hemp. The bill aims to align the regulation of these products with existing cannabis guidelines. As per the proposal, products like Delta-8 would fall under the oversight of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, adopting similar regulatory measures that include age restrictions.

Local media coverage indicates that the bill’s intent is to ensure a regulated and safe market for cannabinoid products. However, it has sparked a debate among stakeholders. Eapen Thampy, a lobbyist for the Missouri Hemp Trade Association, has expressed concerns, arguing that such regulation could negatively impact small businesses and potentially foster a monopoly in the state’s cannabis sector.

In a related development, the legislative session is also scrutinizing law enforcement policies associated with cannabis. A new bill sponsored by Rep. Ian Mackey (D) is set to reform how law enforcement conducts searches based on the odor of cannabis. According to a report by Marijuana Moment, Mackey’s initiative seeks to prohibit police from using the smell of cannabis as the sole justification for warrantless vehicle or property searches. This proposed change reflects a growing trend in states like Maryland and New Jersey and is in line with Missouri’s voter-approved cannabis legalization law, emphasizing the state’s evolving stance on cannabis-related issues.

These legislative efforts represent a continued evolution in Missouri’s approach to cannabis, balancing regulatory oversight with civil liberties. The outcomes of these discussions could have significant implications for both the business landscape and law enforcement practices in Missouri.