New initiative petition would regulate Missouri marijuana, hemp products the same as alcohol
- barneyelias0
- Sep 10
- 2 min read
September 09 2025
The effort would repeal the 41-page constitutional amendment that legalized recreational marijuana in 2022.
New Initiative Filed
A coalition of hemp business leaders filed four petitions on Tuesday. They want voters to regulate cannabis and hemp products like alcohol and tobacco.
Goal: Repeal 2022 Amendment
The petitions, led by Kansas City-based American Shaman, aim to repeal the 2022 recreational cannabis amendment. The 41-page law would be replaced with simpler regulations.
Unified Market
Eapen Thampy, a hemp lobbyist, said, “Cannabis and hemp are one plant. They should be regulated the same.” The group Missourians for a Single Market supports this effort.
Key Changes
Remove criminal penalties for possessing excess cannabis.
Keep current taxes for 10 years.
License cannabis sales like alcohol and tobacco.
Current Regulations
Cannabis facility licenses are limited and strict. Hemp products don’t require licenses, despite legislative attempts to ban them. Gary Wiegert, a retired police sergeant, said regulation ensures public safety and curbs illegal markets.
Cannabis vs. Hemp
Hemp has 0.3% or less THC, per the 2018 Farm Bill. Cannabis “flower” needs heating to release THC. Some argue unheated cannabis sold in dispensaries is legally hemp.
Unregulated Products
Edibles, beverages, and vapes are sold without testing or tracking. Some cities try regulating them through health departments. The petitions aim to standardize these rules.
Industry Debate
Tim Gilio of the Missouri Marijuana Legalization Movement said, “Legalization is about ending prohibition, not monopolies.” Andrew Mullins of the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association called the petitions a “bait and switch.” He noted the industry generated $241 million in taxes last year.
Revenue Impact
Thampy claims tax revenue won’t decrease. A larger taxable market could add millions for public defenders, veterans, and substance abuse programs.
Next Steps
The petitions were filed with the Missouri Secretary of State. The group aims to collect signatures by May for the November 2026 ballot.
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