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Missouri Hemp Industry Sends 10,000 Letters to Governor as Product Ban Hits His Desk
A last-ditch letter campaign targets Governor Kehoe as bipartisan legislation threatens to shut down the state’s hemp product market.
By CBDWorldNews Editorial Staff | April 17, 2026
Governor Mike Kehoe’s office received more than 10,000 handwritten letters this week from hemp business owners, employees, and customers. Every letter carried the same request: veto House Bill 2641, the bipartisan measure that would ban intoxicating hemp products across Missouri.
The bill passed both chambers of the state legislature in early April. If signed, it would pull THC seltzers, gummies, and other hemp-derived products from shelves at every retailer except licensed marijuana dispensaries.
What HB 2641 Would Do
The legislation targets the growing category of intoxicating hemp products that have emerged since the 2018 Farm Bill opened a legal pathway for hemp-derived cannabinoids. Under HB 2641, all products containing intoxicating levels of hemp-derived THC would be banned from general retail sale.
Only licensed marijuana dispensaries would be permitted to sell these products. That distinction matters because Missouri’s medical and recreational marijuana market operates under a separate regulatory framework with significantly higher licensing costs and compliance requirements.
Hemp retailers currently pay state fees as low as $150 per location. The marijuana dispensary licensing system requires far greater capital investment, putting it out of reach for most small hemp businesses.
“We built a legal business under federal law, hired local workers, and paid our taxes. This bill treats us like criminals overnight.” — Missouri hemp retailer quoted in industry testimony
The Federal Conflict
Missouri’s proposed ban arrives at a particularly awkward moment in federal hemp policy. On April 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched an initiative covering up to $500 per year in hemp-derived CBD and low-dose THC products for eligible Medicare patients through physician-supervised programs.
Industry advocates argue that HB 2641 would make Missouri’s restrictions more severe than the federal framework. Products that qualify for Medicare reimbursement under the new CMS program could become illegal to sell in Missouri if the governor signs the bill.
The federal landscape is also shifting. A provision tucked into last year’s government funding package redefined hemp to exclude products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container. That change takes effect November 12, 2026, and would ban most intoxicating hemp products nationally unless Congress intervenes.
Industry Stakes
Missouri’s hemp product market has grown rapidly since 2020. Businesses that manufacture, distribute, and sell hemp-derived THC products employ thousands of workers across the state. Many of these operations launched specifically because hemp products offered a legal path to market without the steep barriers of the regulated marijuana industry.
Small business owners make up the backbone of this market. Gas stations, wellness shops, and specialty retailers that added hemp products to their shelves now face losing a significant revenue stream.
The 10,000-letter campaign reflects the depth of concern. Industry groups organized the effort over just two weeks, asking supporters to write by hand rather than send form emails. Organizers said the personal approach was deliberate — they wanted the governor to understand these are real people with real livelihoods at risk.
What Happens Next
Governor Kehoe has not publicly indicated whether he will sign or veto the bill. His office acknowledged receiving the letters but declined to comment on the governor’s timeline for a decision.
If he signs HB 2641, hemp businesses would have a limited window to wind down operations or pivot to non-intoxicating products like CBD oils and topicals. Some operators have already begun exploring whether to apply for marijuana dispensary licenses, though the cost and regulatory complexity make that impractical for many.
If he vetoes it, the legislature could attempt an override. The bill passed with strong bipartisan support, suggesting override votes could be within reach.
Hemp industry groups in Missouri are also watching Texas, where a judge recently blocked enforcement of similar restrictions on smokeable hemp products. That temporary restraining order has given some Missouri advocates hope that legal challenges could succeed even if HB 2641 becomes law.
The Bigger Picture
Missouri’s battle reflects a nationwide pattern. States are moving independently to restrict hemp-derived THC products while federal policy remains unsettled. The result is a patchwork of regulations that creates uncertainty for businesses, consumers, and investors.
For consumers who rely on hemp-derived products — whether for wellness, sleep, or pain management — the stakes extend beyond business. Many use CBD and low-dose THC products that have undergone third-party lab testing and carry certificates of analysis. Losing access to regulated, tested products could push some consumers toward unregulated alternatives.
The governor’s decision will signal whether Missouri prioritizes the existing marijuana industry’s market protection or the broader economic benefits of a competitive hemp market. Either way, the 10,000 letters on his desk make clear that this decision carries real weight for real people.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. CBD products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
