SB 518 - This act establishes the "Missouri Hemp Consumer Protection Act". This act regulates the manufacture, distribution, sale, and purchase of hemp-derived products in Missouri. Under this act, a person shall not knowingly: · Sell or distribute a hemp-derived consumable product to a person under 21 years of age;
· Purchase such product on behalf of a person under 21 years of age;
· Persuade, entice, send, or assist a person under 21 years of age to acquire such product;
· Distribute such products in or on a public street, sidewalk, or park without obtaining a temporary event permit from the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control of the Department of Public Safety;
· Sell or distribute such product without first obtaining proof of age, as specified in the act;
· Purchase, possess, or accept such product while under 21 years of age; or
· Present false or fraudulent proof of age to obtain such product.
A person under 21 years of age may consume a hemp-derived consumable product under the supervision of his or her parent or legal guardian or if administered by a licensed health care professional at a school, as specified in the act. A person under 21 years of age may purchase, accept receipt of, possess, consume, or use such product if the person is at least 18 years of age and a veteran.
Retailers selling hemp-derived consumable products that are not certain beverages shall keep such products on or behind the counter, in an area restricted to adults 21 years of age or older, or in a locked cabinet. Beverages shall be sold in a way that indicates to consumers that the products contain hemp-derived cannabinoids and are to be sold for persons 21 years of age or older.
Any person who violates these provisions shall be subject to a fine of not more than $250 for the first violation and a class D misdemeanor for any second or subsequent violation. The Division shall enforce these provisions, as specified in the act.
The purchase, possession, consumption, use, manufacture, transportation, or distribution of hemp-derived consumable products in accordance with this act shall be lawful.
Any person or entity that is in the business of hemp-derived consumable products in this state, including any manufacturer, distributer, or retailer, shall obtain a license from the Division, as specified in the act, or be subject to a fine not to exceed $250. The license shall be location specific for retailers. The license shall be valid for one year and may be renewed annually. The Division shall establish guidelines for small-scale producers to promote the development of local hemp manufacturers focused on the production of edibles, inhalables, and beverages.
Beginning August 28, 2025, no new retail establishments offering hemp-derived consumable products shall be located within 100 feet of any educational institution providing elementary or secondary education to children at any level from kindergarten through grade twelve, or equivalent levels.
This act creates the "Hemp Business Fund", consisting of license application and renewal fees collected by the Division. The fund shall be used for the administration of this act.
Hemp-derived consumable products shall be tested in a process overseen by the Department of Health and Senior Services. The Department shall maintain on its website a registry of independent testing laboratories that are qualified to test intermediate manufactured material and finished products containing a hemp-derived cannabinoid. Manufacturers shall ensure their product is tested prior to distribution, as specified in the act. Distributors shall ensure products are tested for potency prior to distribution to a retailer. Testing under this provision shall determine the presence and amount of certain substances listed in the act, including heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins, solvents, and microbials.
Hemp-derived consumable products offered for distribution or sale in Missouri shall bear labels containing specified information, including the amount of any cannabinoids over one milligram and any measurable THC in milligrams, as well as certain statements of risk and a best-by date not to exceed two years following the laboratory's test results. Labels shall not have likeness or resemblance to a human, animal, cartoon character, or fictional character.
Hemp-derived consumable products, including beverage products, tinctures, and inhalation products, sold in this state shall not contain more than the permissible amounts of delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, or delta-10 THC in a single serving or in the aggregate, as specified in the act. Products intended for inhalation shall not contain any amount of vitamin E oil or vitamin E acetate oil.
A person shall not undertake any task while impaired by the use of a hemp-derived consumable product if doing so would constitute negligence or professional malpractice. A person shall not operate a motor vehicle, aircraft, motorized watercraft, or other vehicle while impaired by the use of a such product. Employers shall not be required to accommodate the use of such products in the workplace or an employee working while under the influence of such products.
Hemp-derived consumable beverage product manufacturers may assign exclusive territories for distribution of their beverage products.
Each manufacturer shall register its hemp-derived consumable products distributed or available for distribution in Missouri with the Division, as specified in the act.
All retail establishments and food service establishments offering hemp-derived consumable products shall be licensed by the Division and such products or class of products may be sold in such establishments if the product or class of products has been registered with the Division. Retail establishments or food service establishments may offer such products at a temporary event if the establishment is licensed by the Division and obtains a temporary event permit from the Division.
The provisions of this act shall not be applied to any safe-harbor hemp product, meaning those hemp products manufactured or prepared for distribution in this state for export outside of this state and not sold or distributed in this state, or any safe harbor manufacturer or storage facility.
A registered nurse may administer a hemp-derived consumable product to a student at school if: (1) the parent or legal guardian of the student has submitted a written letter specifying the reason for the administration and the amount to be administered; (2) no more than a 3-month supply is provided to the school at any given time; and (3) any such product is kept in an area inaccessible to other students, teachers, staff, and administrators.
Hemp-derived consumable products may be sold or consumed at any event held on school grounds where alcohol is permitted, as specified in the act.
This act is similar to HB 393 (2025).
SARAH HASKINS