Missouri sues retailers for selling marijuana disguised as hemp

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 13:41 · Archive

Missouri's Attorney General has sued four retailers accused of selling illegal marijuana products while falsely claiming to be licensed dispensaries.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has announced civil lawsuits against four retailers accused of selling illegal marijuana products while marketing them as federally legal industrial hemp and falsely claiming to be state-licensed dispensaries.

One of the defendants named is Herb Depot in Independence. According to the state's petition, Herb Depot is not licensed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services but displayed prominent cannabis dispensary signage and operated an online store. The state claims lab tests showed products exceeded the legal threshold of 0.3 per cent delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis, classifying them as illegal marijuana rather than hemp.

Hanaway said the businesses concealed the true nature of their products, misled consumers, and prioritised profits over public safety. The state is seeking civil penalties, permanent injunctions, restitution, and orders declaring the retail locations statutory drug-den public nuisances. The lawsuits follow a U.S. District Court ruling on 4 November dismissing a federal legal challenge to House Bill 2641, which closes the state's hemp loophole and is set to take effect on 12 November 2026.

How it is being reported

• Missouri AG sues 4 retailers, including Independence shop, over alleged marijuana-as-hemp salesThe Missouri Attorney General is suing 4 retailers, including an Independence shop, over alleged marijuana-as-hemp sales.KCTV5 · 5 Nov, 12:58
• Missouri Attorney General sues Lawrence County retailer, 3 others over unregulated THC products, defeats federal court challengeMissouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced lawsuits Wednesday against four Missouri retailers accused of selling illegal marijuana products disguised as legal hemp and falsely marketing themselves as licensed state dispensaries.KY3 · 4 Nov, 23:26

In this story: Catherine Hanaway · Missouri · Herb Depot · Puffers Choice · CBD Kratom · Independence

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