KC Reporter

Jefferson City — Yesterday, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft refused to sign off on the emergency rulemaking process associated with Governor Mike Parson's Executive Order 24-10, which prohibits the sale of unregulated psychoactive cannabis products. In response, Governor Parson expressed his deep dissatisfaction and issued a formal rebuke.

"Without question, our office and hundreds of thousands of parents and grandparents across the state view the matter of protecting Missouri children as an emergency in need of immediate action," Governor Parson stated. "By refusing to grant emergency rules to ban the sale of unregulated psychoactive cannabis products, especially to children, Secretary Ashcroft is choosing personal vendetta and unregulated, dangerous products over the health and safety of Missouri kids."

In Missouri, there has been a 600 percent increase in the number of children aged five and under experiencing cannabis poisoning that resulted in Emergency Room visits or hospitalizations since 2018. These products could originate from various sources including the southern border or countries like China, making their contents uncertain. Additionally, America’s Poison Control Center has documented that 41 percent of non-regulated intoxicating cannabinoids - Delta 8 exposures are occurring in children aged twelve and younger. Unregulated psychoactive cannabinoids are linked to several significant health risks including poisoning (especially for children), unexpected intoxication, exposure to chemical contaminants, among others.

There are no safety studies for human consumption and health effects remain largely unknown, particularly for children. Many products contain combinations of non-regulated psychoactive cannabinoids with unknown interactions. There are no regulated potency limits or testing protocols; large doses often exist within a single package. Furthermore, there are no regulations imposing age restrictions. Many products are mislabeled with undisclosed psychoactive potency levels. Some product packaging intentionally mimics commercial food items appealing to children and lacks childproofing measures. There are also no testing requirements for contaminants such as heavy metals or solvents.

Approximately eleven percent of twelfth-grade students across the United States reported past-year use of Delta-8 according to an analysis sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.

These intoxicating compounds remain untested in humans, unregulated, and sold without restriction. Due to lack of regulatory oversight, these products are marketed aggressively in ways designed to attract young consumers; often resembling brand name foods and candies like LIFE SAVERS.

The Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control's (ATC) emergency rules associated with Executive Order 24-10 were set to take effect on September 1, 2024. Governor Parson has directed ATC to refile the emergency rules for reconsideration; however until Secretary Ashcroft reverses his decision, ATC must use the regular rulemaking process which may delay implementation by six to eight months.

Governor Parson's letter to Secretary Ashcroft is available in attachment.

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2024.08.22 Letter to SOS.pdf