FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MO Hemp Trade Association Opposes Governor Parson’s Executive Order: A Misguided Approach That Will Devastate Missouri’s Small Businesses and Drive Consumers to the Black Market
August 9, 2024
Jefferson City, MO – The MO Hemp Trade Association, representing hundreds of small businesses across Missouri’s thriving hemp industry, strongly opposes Governor Parson’s recent executive order aimed at banning the sale of hemp products in the state. This heavy-handed and misguided measure threatens to dismantle an industry that has been a beacon of entrepreneurship, job creation, and innovation in Missouri.
A Blow to Small Businesses
The hemp industry in Missouri is primarily composed of small, locally-owned businesses that have worked tirelessly to provide safe, regulated products to consumers. This executive order, if enforced, would jeopardize the livelihoods of thousands of Missourians who rely on the hemp industry for their income. The Governor’s decision appears to favor large corporate cannabis multi-state operators (MSOs) at the expense of Missouri’s small business owners, a move that undermines the spirit of free enterprise and economic freedom.
Consumer Safety at Risk
While the executive order claims to protect consumers, it ironically achieves the opposite. By banning the sale of regulated hemp products, the order will force consumers back to the black market, where there is no oversight, no safety standards, and no accountability. The MO Hemp Trade Association believes that consumer safety is best served through a regulated market that ensures product quality and transparency. This order would dismantle the very framework that has kept consumers safe and informed.
A Misstep in Policy and Logic
The MO Hemp Trade Association believes that this executive order is not only harmful but also fundamentally flawed. It is based on misleading information that falsely categorizes all hemp-derived psychoactive products as dangerous and unregulated. The truth is that these products are subject to rigorous oversight, ensuring they meet safety standards. Furthermore, the assertion that hemp products pose unique health risks is unfounded and contradicts the wealth of evidence supporting their safety when produced under current regulations.
Call to Action
The MO Hemp Trade Association calls on Missouri legislators to stand up for the small businesses and consumers of our state by opposing this executive order. We urge them to advocate for policies that support a fair and competitive marketplace, one that allows both the hemp and marijuana industries to flourish without unnecessary and harmful interference.
About MO Hemp Trade Association
The MO Hemp Trade Association is dedicated to promoting the growth and sustainability of Missouri’s hemp industry. Our members include farmers, processors, retailers, and advocates who are committed to providing high-quality hemp products to consumers and fostering a vibrant, diverse marketplace. We believe in the power of small businesses to drive innovation and economic prosperity in our state.
For more information, please contact:
Brooklyn Hill
President
MO Hemp Trade Association
Phone: 573-604-5780
Email: pres@mohemptrade.org
Website: www.mohemptrade.org
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