Attorney General Hanaway Launches Statewide Action Against Illegal Marijuana, Defeats Challenge To Intoxicating Cannabinoid Law

“Loophole” Closes November 12

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Today, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that her office has sued four retailers operating in Missouri for allegedly selling marijuana products falsely marketed as hemp and deceptively presenting themselves as lawful cannabis dispensaries. The lawsuits come as General Hanaway secured a complete victory in defense of Missouri’s law closing the so‑called hemp loophole and as the state prepares to strengthen enforcement against unlicensed sellers of intoxicating cannabinoid products.

“Missourians deserve honesty and legality from the businesses operating in their communities. The days of drug pushers masquerading as licensed dispensaries are over,” said General Hanaway. “These businesses concealed the true nature of their products, misled consumers, and put profits ahead of public safety. Our office will continue using every tool available to hold bad actors accountable and protect Missouri families.”

The Attorney General’s Office has filed lawsuits against:

• Puffers Choice LLC, operating in Aurora, Missouri;
• CBD Kratom Cannabis Dispensary, operating in Des Peres, Missouri;
• Herb Depot, operating in Independence, Missouri; and
• Token THC Dispensary, operating in Rock Port, Missouri.

According to the lawsuits, these businesses marketed products as federally legal hemp while selling products that exceeded legal THC limits and therefore constituted marijuana under Missouri law. Several defendants also marketed themselves as dispensaries or otherwise suggested that their products were subject to the same regulatory framework as Missouri’s licensed marijuana industry.

These enforcement actions come as Missouri prepares to strengthen oversight of intoxicating cannabinoid products, with key provisions of House Bill 2641 scheduled to take effect on November 12, 2026. Just today, the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri dismissed a challenge to the law, entirely rejecting claims that the statute was preempted by federal law or violated constitutional protections. The ruling affirms Missouri’s authority to enforce duly enacted laws governing intoxicating cannabinoid products.

As state and federal authorities move toward stricter oversight, retailers remain obligated to accurately label and market their products and comply with existing consumer protection and controlled-substance laws.

The Attorney General’s Office is seeking civil penalties, injunctive relief, and other remedies authorized by Missouri law. In the lawsuits against Puffers Choice LLC, CBD Kratom Cannabis Dispensary, and Herb Depot, the office is also seeking to have the businesses designated as statutory drug-den public nuisances.

Missourians who believe they were misled or harmed by hemp, marijuana, THC, or cannabis products, especially by an entity masquerading as a dispensary, are encouraged to file a complaint at ago.mo.gov.

The petition filed against Puffers Choice LLC.
The petition filed against CBD Kratom Cannabis Dispensary.
The petition filed against Herb Depot.
The petition filed against Token THC Dispensary.

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.