Missouri’s new Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is gearing up for a major showdown with the booming hemp-derived THC beverage industry. Just weeks after taking office, she vows to shut down sales of these popular drinks, calling them a hidden danger. But what sparked this move, and how will it hit consumers and businesses?
Catherine Hanaway, sworn in as Missouri’s first female attorney general in August 2025, wasted no time in setting her sights on hemp THC beverages. She promised to use every tool in her office to tackle what she sees as unregulated and risky products flooding the market.
Her spokesperson told reporters that Hanaway plans to “attack the problem head on” with enforcement actions. This comes amid growing concerns over products like THC-infused seltzers and drinks sold in grocery stores and convenience shops across the state.
Hanaway’s stance builds on earlier efforts by Missouri officials. In June 2025, the attorney general’s office sent cease-and-desist letters to 18 hemp companies, ordering them to stop selling THCA hemp flowers. Critics argued those moves ignored federal hemp laws, which define hemp by delta-9 THC levels, not THCA.
Now, the focus shifts to beverages. These drinks, derived from hemp and containing intoxicating THC variants like delta-8, have exploded in popularity. A recent economic study highlighted their potential to grow into a $9.9 billion industry nationwide, according to researchers at Whitney Economics who analyzed market trends in 2024.
Why the urgency? Hanaway points to safety risks, including untested products sold to minors. Her office aims to protect everyday Missourians, especially kids, from what she calls a “real threat.”
Impact on Businesses and Consumers
Local businesses feel the heat from this crackdown. Retailers selling hemp THC drinks, such as seltzers from companies like Mighty Kind, now face potential shutdowns or hefty fines.
One St. Louis grocery store owner shared worries about losing a key revenue stream. These beverages have become hot sellers, drawing in customers seeking legal alternatives to traditional cannabis products.
Consumers might see their options shrink fast. Many turn to these drinks for relaxation or mild highs without needing a medical card, especially since Missouri legalized recreational marijuana in 2022.
The crackdown could reshape the market, pushing buyers toward regulated cannabis dispensaries. But not everyone agrees it’s fair. Hemp advocates argue these products fall under the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp with low delta-9 THC.
Sales data shows the stakes. Missouri’s recreational marijuana market hit $91 million in April 2023 alone, per the state’s Department of Health and Senior Services. Hemp drinks, though unregulated, add to a gray area that’s booming.
Here’s how the crackdown might play out for key groups:
- Retailers: Forced to pull products, risking inventory losses and legal battles.
- Consumers: Limited access to affordable, over-the-counter options.
- Producers: Hemp companies could face lawsuits or relocation to friendlier states.
This isn’t just about rules; it’s about livelihoods. One industry insider noted that without clear guidelines, small businesses suffer the most.
Regulatory Gaps Fuel the Debate
At the heart of this fight are murky regulations. Hemp-derived THC beverages slip through cracks because they’re not classified as marijuana under federal law, yet they deliver similar effects.
Missouri officials, including Hanaway, argue these items bypass safety checks. Unlike licensed cannabis products, they’re not tested for contaminants or properly labeled for potency.
A 2025 report from Cannabis Science and Technology highlighted warnings from the attorney general about THCA sales violating state merchandising laws. It stressed the lack of age verification in many stores.
This regulatory void has led to products being sold openly, sometimes to underage buyers, raising alarms about public health. Hanaway’s team plans statewide initiatives to boost enforcement in convenience stores.
Experts weigh in. A study by the National Conference of State Legislatures in 2024 found that over 20 states grapple with similar hemp THC issues, with some opting for bans and others for taxation.
In Missouri, the debate ties back to the 2022 voter-approved recreational marijuana law. It set up a regulated system, but hemp products operate outside it, untaxed and unmonitored.
One key question lingers: Will this push lead to new laws? Lawmakers might step in during the next session to clarify boundaries.
Broader Implications for the Hemp Industry
Looking beyond Missouri, Hanaway’s actions could set a precedent. Other states watch closely as the hemp THC market surges nationwide.
Industry growth projections are staggering. The Brightfield Group, in a 2024 analysis, estimated hemp-derived cannabinoid sales could reach $5 billion by 2026, driven by beverages and edibles.
But crackdowns like this highlight tensions between innovation and safety. Hemp supporters say overreach stifles a legal industry that creates jobs and boosts economies.
In Missouri, the move aligns with Hanaway’s promise of a “different style” of leadership, focused on everyday issues. She took office after Governor Mike Kehoe appointed her in August 2025, following Andrew Bailey’s departure.
This isn’t Hanaway’s first rodeo; as a former U.S. attorney and state House speaker, she brings tough enforcement experience. Her approach might inspire similar actions elsewhere, reshaping how states handle intoxicating hemp products.
Challenges remain. Legal battles could drag on, with companies arguing federal preemption. Meanwhile, consumers adapt, some stocking up before shelves clear.
| Aspect | Current Status | Potential Change Under Crackdown |
|---|---|---|
| Product Availability | Widely sold in stores | Restricted or banned |
| Taxation | Untaxed | Could force into regulated, taxed system |
| Safety Testing | Minimal | Enforced standards if regulated |
| Market Value | Part of $9.9B potential | Shrinking in Missouri |
This table shows the shifts ahead, based on industry reports from 2024.
Missouri’s crackdown on hemp-derived THC beverages marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle between regulation and a thriving gray-market industry, with Attorney General Catherine Hanaway leading the charge to safeguard public health amid booming sales. As businesses brace for impact and consumers weigh their options, this story underscores the need for clearer laws in a fast-evolving landscape.