Missouri Governor's Hemp Product Ban Delayed

Missouri Governor Mike Parson's ban on hemp-derived THC products has been delayed after Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft rejected the emergency rules necessary for enforcement. The ban, aimed at removing THC edibles and beverages from stores, was expected to take effect on September 1, but now faces at least a six-month delay. Parson criticized Ashcroft, suggesting that the rejection of the rules was politically motivated, stemming from Parson's support for a different candidate in the GOP primary. Ashcroft's office stated that the rules did not meet state law's criteria, but specifics were not provided. The current situation requires the rules to undergo a standard procedure, prolonging the implementation process significantly. This clash highlights the intersection of public safety concerns and political tensions within Missouri's government.