Missouri AG sues St. Louis smoke shop for selling intoxicating THC candy bars

OG article by Rebecca Rivas

February 13, 2026

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has filed the state’s first lawsuit against a hemp retailer selling highly potent THC edibles packaged to resemble popular children’s candies. The suit targets Pressure STL, a St. Louis smoke shop, alleging violations of consumer protection laws through deceptive labeling and unfair practices.

Products include THC-infused lookalikes of Skittles (20mg THC per piece), Kit-Kat, Snickers (1,000mg per bar), Doritos, Nerds, and Sour Patch Kids. Hanaway argues these wrappers deliberately mimic familiar snacks to appeal to children while delivering dangerously high doses—far exceeding typical 5-10mg in regulated edibles.

The lawsuit seeks an immediate injunction, $1,000 fines per violation, and recovery of investigative costs. Hanaway described the marketing as prioritizing profit over safety, comparing it to historical tobacco industry tactics targeting youth.

Intoxicating hemp products remain unregulated in Missouri following legal challenges to previous enforcement attempts. A 2024 executive order by former Gov. Mike Parson was scaled back due to statutory conflicts over hemp definitions. The suit relies on the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, following investigations initiated in 2024 into multiple retailers. Hanaway has continued probing additional companies, signaling potential further legal action if the case succeeds.

Pressure STL labels products as containing THCA, creating confusion about actual delta-9 THC content after heating/decarboxylation.