MO Hemp News Update

MHTA news.

Dear MHTA Stakeholders,

We are pleased to present an overview of a proposed legislative bill, developed with invaluable input from industry experts, association members, and government advisors. This bill addresses the specific needs of Missouri's hemp industry and holds the potential to establish our state as a national leader in hemp production. Key areas of focus include regulatory challenges, economic viability, and environmental sustainability.

Your Participation is Essential

If you are a member or have made a donation to the fund the fight campaign please request access to review the bill draft here and provide feedback by October 28, 2024. If you click it and don’t get access simply request access or let Courtney know at 573-200-6291. Your input is crucial to shape legislation that aligns with our members’ goals and supports the long-term success of Missouri’s hemp industry. Following your comments, we will convene a board meeting to finalize the bill before it is presented for approval and voting.

We recently held a productive meeting covering the following topics:

• Lawsuit Update: The current lawsuit is on hold pending the next court date for a declaratory judgment in early November. We will update you as soon as more information becomes available.

• Rulemaking Process: Several proposed regulations under review could negatively impact our industry. We encourage members to submit comments illustrating the strength and resilience of Missouri’s hemp industry and highlighting the potential impacts of these rules. A primer on the proposed rules and suggested comments will follow in a separate email.

Monthly Meetings Begin in January

Starting in January, we will hold monthly meetings in Jefferson City to combine advocacy efforts and networking opportunities. We invite you to join us at the Capitol.

The Association aims to finalize the bill by the end of November, so it is ready for the upcoming session. Members and donors supporting the “Fund the Fight” campaign can access the bill draft on the homepage of our website.

Ongoing Fundraising Efforts

We are still actively fundraising. If you have the means or desire to support, consider donating or reaching out to Courtney at 573-200-6291 for a more substantial contribution. Your support will be essential as we approach the upcoming session.

Committee Opportunities

We are establishing several committees to increase member engagement and continue building on the foundation set by past and present boards. If you are interested in joining a committee or serving as a chair, please email Courtney for consideration.

Current committees include:

• Farming

• Beverage

• Fundraising

• Retail

• Veterans

• Education

We encourage you to join at least one committee.

Stay Updated

Our weekly newsletter will keep you informed. Let us know what you would like to see included, and if you’re interested in contributing content, please reach out.

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Relevant Proposed Rule Amendments

Recent updates to the Missouri Register include proposed rule changes relevant to our industry. Below is a summary of two significant proposed rules:

1. Department of Agriculture – Weights, Measures, and Consumer Protection (2 CSR 90-30.040)

   • Proposed Rule: 2 CSR 90-30.040 Quality Standards for Motor Fuels

   • Overview: Updates Missouri’s fuel quality standards to align with 2024 ASTM standards, eliminating outdated vapor pressure exceptions for ethanol blends (E10) and requiring detailed documentation of fuel grades and octane ratings on invoices.

   • Key Changes:

     • Adoption of 2024 ASTM standards with updated ethanol blend vapor pressure regulations.

     • Invoices and shipping documents must specify fuel name, grade, and octane level.

   • Relevance to Hemp: Should hemp-based biofuels become viable, understanding these standards could create new opportunities.

   • Comment Period: Submit comments by October 31, 2024.

   • Submission: Mail to PO Box 630, Jefferson City, MO 65102, or submit online at Agriculture.MO.Gov/proposed-rules/.

2. Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (11 CSR 70-2.120)

   • Proposed Rule: 11 CSR 70-2.120 Retail Licensees

   • Overview: Restricts retailers from selling embargoed food, drugs, devices, or cosmetics flagged by the Department of Health and Senior Services, affecting hemp-derived CBD products.

   • Key Changes: Prohibits the sale, delivery, or offering of embargoed products.

   • Relevance to Hemp: Impacts hemp-derived CBD retailers. Compliance with these regulations is essential to ensure product availability.

   • Comment Period: Submit comments by October 31, 2024.

   • Submission: Mail to 1738 E. Elm, Lower Level, Jefferson City, MO 65101, fax (573) 526-4369, or email atc@dps.mo.gov.

Examples of Constructive Comments

• Biofuel Innovation and ASTM Standards
  Comment: "Aligning with 2024 ASTM fuel standards, particularly for biofuels, is a positive step as the hemp industry explores biomass potential. Future amendments should create pathways for industrial hemp in biofuel production."

• Embargoed Hemp Products
  Comment: "While supporting efforts to prevent the sale of embargoed items, clearer guidelines for embargoed hemp-derived products would help avoid confusion and support compliance."

Tips for Submitting Effective Comments

• Be Specific: Address particular elements of the proposed rules.

• Be Constructive: Offer actionable suggestions.

• Avoid General Complaints: Specific, constructive feedback is most effective.

Key Takeaways for MHTA Members

• Awareness of Impact: These proposed rules affect biofuel innovation and CBD retail in Missouri’s hemp industry.

• Participation Opportunity: Your comments will play a role in shaping industry regulations.

• Deadline: Remember to submit comments by October 31, 2024.

We look forward to your feedback and insights. Your active participation is vital to developing legislation that supports our industry’s growth and sustainability.

Sincerely,

Courtney Allen Curtis
Executive Director
Missouri Hemp Trade Association
573-200-6291