In a significant legislative move, Missouri lawmakers are taking a stand on the regulation of cannabis and its derivatives. Representatives Chad Perkins and Senator Nick Schroer have put forth the “Intoxicating Cannabinoid Control Act” — a bold step aimed at reining in the burgeoning field of hemp, cannabis, and cannabinoid products known for their intoxicating effects. This legislation seeks to define what constitutes an ‘intoxicating cannabinoid’ and proposes that such products should be regulated in the same manner as marijuana.
If enacted, this act would limit the sale of cannabis products with intoxicating effects strictly to licensed entities within Missouri. The responsibility of overseeing these regulations would fall upon the Department of Health and Senior Services, which will work in conjunction with law enforcement to enforce the act. Greenway Magazine has highlighted the act as a response to concerns regarding public safety and the ease of access that minors currently have to intoxicating cannabis-derived goods.
The proposed regulation reflects a broader concern among regulators and members of the cannabis industry about the need for a more controlled environment. The cannabis market has shown rapid expansion, and with it, complexities in the regulation of its products have arisen. With these proposed rules, Missouri could set a precedent that might influence how other states address the issue of intoxicating cannabinoids.
Meanwhile, the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) isn’t falling behind, as it’s implementing stricter operational deadline policies for cannabis licensees. The message is clear: licensees have a year to become operational, with microbusinesses being granted a grace period of up to two years. This marks a departure from the former approach where the DCR showed leniency due to the industry’s nascent stage and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The DCR is now set on maintaining a tightly run ship, granting extensions only when ‘good cause’ is shown, supported by comprehensive documentation. As cited by Greenway Magazine, these measures are in place to ensure that growth within the industry is both regulated and timely, preventing undue delays that could affect the market’s balance and public perception.
In the face of these tightening regulations, the workforce behind Missouri’s cannabis sector is not standing idle. Unionization efforts, spearheaded by UFCW Local 655, are gaining ground as workers advocate for better conditions and job security. The move towards unionization mirrors a nationwide trend where cannabis industry employees are banding together to assert their rights in a rapidly growing market.
A significant victory for these workers came to light when the Missouri Independent reported a $145,000 settlement for ten former employees of the Shangri-La South dispensary in Columbia. This event underscores the potent combination of a maturing industry and an increasingly empowered workforce demanding recognition and fair treatment.
As readers, it’s essential to remain cognizant of the ever-evolving landscape of the cannabis industry and its regulations. These developments in Missouri could very well serve as a bellwether for similar changes across the country. The efforts to regulate intoxicating cannabinoids and the push for stronger labor protections are shaping the industry in real-time and could influence your local market soon.
It’s a pivotal time in the cannabis sector, and staying informed is crucial for anyone interested or involved in the industry. What are your thoughts on the proposed regulations in Missouri? How do you think this will impact the industry as a whole? Share your views and keep the conversation going. And if you’re looking to keep abreast of these and other developments, make sure to follow our updates for the latest information.
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