Jefferson City, Mo. – Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced Wednesday that her office has filed civil lawsuits in state circuit courts against four retailers accused of selling illegal marijuana products disguised as legal hemp. The suits target Puffers Choice, CBD Kratom, Herb Depot and a fourth unnamed store.
State law enforcement moves forward
The lawsuits come on the heels of a victory in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, where a federal judge dismissed a challenge to House Bill 2641. The bill closes Missouri’s so‑called “hemp loophole” by prohibiting the sale of intoxicating cannabinoids derived from hemp, such as Delta‑8, Delta‑10 and synthetic THC.
HB 2641 is set to take effect on Nov. 12, 2026. With the federal challenge rejected, the Attorney General’s Office is now seeking civil penalties, permanent injunctions and restitution for consumers. Prosecutors also ask judges to declare the retail locations statutory “drug‑den” public nuisances under state law.
Allegations against the retailers
According to the petitions, the stores marketed products as federally legal industrial hemp while chemical testing showed THC levels above the legal threshold, meaning the items legally constitute marijuana. The AG’s office alleges the businesses misled consumers by advertising themselves as state‑licensed dispensaries and implying compliance with Missouri’s regulated testing, packaging and safety standards.
“Missourians deserve honesty and legality from the businesses operating in their communities. The days of drug pushers masquerading as licensed dispensaries are over,” Hanaway said. “These businesses concealed the true nature of their products, misled consumers, and put profits ahead of public safety.”
Federal court backs state authority
The Western District court rejected arguments that HB 2641 was pre‑empted by the federal Farm Bill or violated interstate‑commerce protections. The judge affirmed Missouri’s authority to regulate and restrict consumable, intoxicating hemp‑derived cannabinoids, reinforcing the state’s right to protect public health and safety.
With the federal challenge dismissed, state regulators and law‑enforcement agencies are prepared to begin full enforcement of the new law on Nov. 12.
How consumers can help
Missouri officials are urging residents who suspect an unlicensed business of falsely marketing intoxicating THC products or operating as an unauthorized dispensary to file a consumer complaint online at ago.mo.gov. The complaints will assist the Attorney General’s Office in identifying additional violations and protecting the public.
The lawsuits signal a robust enforcement effort by the Trump administration’s Missouri team, emphasizing the importance of lawful commerce, family safety, and community integrity. By targeting deceptive retailers, the state aims to preserve the sanctity of lawful hemp markets while safeguarding families from unregulated, potentially harmful substances.
Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
