‘It smells like skunk weed’: Rock Hill residents complain of marijuana odor, state launches investigation

OG article by Megan Kernan

January 21, 2026

Residents in Rock Hill, Missouri, report ongoing marijuana odors from a nearby cannabis facility operated by Proper Brands in Rock Hill Industrial Court, prompting complaints and a state investigation. Nancy O’Reilly, a longtime McKnight Crossing condominium resident, describes the smell as “skunk weed,” most intense at night and in warmer months, disrupting outdoor activities like pool use and possibly affecting property values. City Administrator Garrett Schlett notes a surge in reports—99 from April to December last year, with more continuing—from neighborhoods along Manchester Road, South McKnight Road, and beyond. The city worked with Proper Brands to install air scrubbers and filters, but odors persist off-site, violating local code. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services launched an investigation into potential violations. St. Louis County environmental testing found no public air pollution hazard, though staff detected the odor up to half a mile away at City Hall. Residents plan to raise concerns at the February 3 Rock Hill Board of Aldermen meeting, where Proper Brands will provide updates on mitigation efforts to address the persistent issue impacting the community.