KANSAS CITY, Missouri – Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft has “refused” to sign an executive order banning unregulated psychoactive cannabis products, Missouri Governor Mike Parson said.
Parson issued the order on August 1.
The order prohibits the sale of products containing these compounds in the state of Missouri unless they come from an approved source.
Parson wrote a letter to Ashcroft sharply criticizing his decision not to sign the order.
“I am extremely disappointed that you have rejected the emergency order filed by the Department of Public Safety’s Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) to prevent access to unregulated psychoactive cannabis products in liquor-licensed establishments,” Parson said in the letter. “This order is necessary to protect the health and safety of Missourians, especially children.”
In the letter, Parson accused Ashcroft of refusing to sign the order because he had “hurt feelings.”
When issuing the order, Parson said it was to protect children.
The governor said the products are often labeled to specifically target children and look like popular products and candies.
Courtesy of the Office of Missouri Governor Mike Parson
Caroline Hogan of KSHB 41 spoke to businesses concerned that the order could impact their sales.
Ashcroft’s decision could delay the order’s entry into force by six to eight months, Parson said.
In the meantime, he has instructed the ATC to resubmit the rule, Parson said.
KSHB 41 has reached out to Ashcroft’s office for comment on the matter. This article will be updated when a response is received.
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