Kansas City Businesses Brace for Impact of New Missouri Hemp Ban

Changes on the Horizon

Kansas City, Missouri – Recent news has sent shockwaves through the local business community as an executive order banning unregulated hemp products takes effect on September 1. This ban, signed by Governor Mike Parson, specifically targets hemp products like Delta-8, commonly found in vapes, foods, drinks, and pre-rolled joints.

Local Business Reactions

Many businesses, such as Royal Liquor located on Southwest Boulevard, have voiced their concerns regarding the upcoming changes. Store manager Muhammad Jawad reported that these hemp products account for an estimated 10% to 15% of their overall sales. “I’m feeling not good because some customers will move somewhere else,” Jawad explained. “Even if it’s not over there, they’ll stop coming here, too.” This sentiment highlights the anxiety shared by many retailers dependent on these products for their revenue.

Reason Behind the Ban

The executive order was prompted by safety concerns, particularly regarding children consuming products without realizing they contain psychoactive compounds. The aim is to enhance safety through proper regulation of packaging and testing prior to sale.

Dispensaries Adapt

Meanwhile, businesses like From the Earth Dispensary have already been operating under regulated guidelines. Their store manager, Cherelle Martel, emphasized the importance of safety and transparency in their products. “We give them as much safety and are communicative as possible, not trying to hide anything,” Martel stated, showcasing the detailed labeling on their products that includes testing results and ingredients.

Support for the Ban

On the flip side, there are members of the cannabis industry who support the ban. David Craig from Illicit Gardens argued that the ban strengthens their industry by educating consumers and maintaining safety measures around psychoactive substances. He explained, “What I really want people to understand, it’s about the safety and the knowledge. The Department of Cannabis Regulation exists for a reason to monitor these psychoactive substances.” By enforcing this ban, the hope is to limit the risks associated with unregulated products.

Looking Ahead

As the deadline approaches, Kansas City businesses prepare for a potentially challenging transition. With customers likely shifting their buying habits, both flowering and retail players in the hemp space are anxious to see how the market will evolve post-ban.

The coming weeks will be crucial for local businesses as they navigate this new regulatory landscape while striving to retain their customer base. With increased awareness surrounding product safety, Missouri’s hemp industry may be on the brink of a significant transformation.