Governor Mike Parson has expressed strong disapproval of Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s refusal to sign off on the emergency rulemaking process associated with Executive Order 24-10. The executive order prohibits the sale of unregulated psychoactive cannabis products, particularly those that may harm children.
Governor Parson articulated his concerns in a letter, criticizing Secretary Ashcroft’s decision not to grant emergency rules. He emphasized the urgency of protecting Missouri’s children from potentially dangerous, unregulated cannabis-infused products.
“Without question, our office and hundreds of thousands of parents and grandparents across the state view the matter of protecting Missouri children as an emergency needing immediate action,” Governor Parson stated. “By refusing to grant emergency rules to ban the sale of unregulated psychoactive cannabis products, especially to children, Secretary Ashcroft is choosing personal vendetta and unregulated, dangerous products over the health and safety of Missouri kids.”
Recent data highlights a worrying trend: since 2018, there has been a 600 percent increase in the number of children aged five and under who have experienced cannabis poisoning, resulting in emergency room visits or hospitalizations. Products contributing to these incidents may come from unregulated sources, including foreign adversaries like China, with no reliable information on their contents.
The American Association of Poison Control Centers has documented that 41 percent of the non-regulated intoxicating cannabinoids, such as Delta-8, have resulted in exposures among children 12 and younger. These unregulated psychoactive cannabinoids pose several significant health risks, particularly for children, including the risks of poisoning, unexpected intoxication, and exposure to chemical contaminants.
Governor Parson further highlighted the absence of safety studies for human consumption of these products, with health effects largely unknown, especially for children. The lack of regulated potency limits, testing, and childproof packaging exacerbates these risks. Many of these products are also mislabeled, with undisclosed psychoactive potency and no age restrictions in place.
Governor Parson pointed out that approximately 11 percent of 12th-grade students across the United States reported past-year use of Delta-8, a significant concern given the lack of regulatory oversight. These products are marketed in ways that appeal to young consumers, often mimicking brand-name foods and candies like LIFE SAVERS.
The Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) had intended for the emergency rules associated with Executive Order 24-10 to take effect on September 1, 2024. However, due to Secretary Ashcroft’s refusal, the ATC will need to refile the emergency rules for reconsideration. This action may delay the effective date of the order by six to eight months, leaving these unregulated products on the market during that time.
Governor Parson’s letter to Secretary Ashcroft, expressing his concerns and formal rebuke, can be found at this link.
