“It would effectively eliminate an entire industry in Missouri—the hemp industry—regardless of any federal change in legislation.”
By Rebecca Rivas, Missouri Independenta
Gov. Mike Kehoe’s (R) office received 10,000 handwritten letters Tuesday asking him to veto a Missouri bill that would impose a statewide ban on intoxicating hemp products.
The letters, gathered in just 10 days, came from small-business owners, farmers and customers across Missouri who say the legislation could wipe out the state’s hemp industry—even if Congress ultimately pulls back from its own ban set to go into effect on November 12.
Opponents’ main concern is the proposed hemp ban could make Missouri’s guidelines more restrictive than the provision Congress included in a federal spending package signed by the president.
“These are voices of Missourians that want their voices to be heard,” Jay Patel, president of Missouri Hemp Trade Association, said during a press conference on the Missouri Capitol steps Tuesday. “The bill sits on the governor’s desk, and if signed, it would effectively eliminate an entire industry in Missouri—the hemp industry—regardless of any federal change in legislation or extensions that may occur.”
The legislation, sponsored by state Rep. Dave Hinman (R) of O’Fallon, comes amidst uncertainty on where the
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