Efforts to reshape cannabis regulations in Missouri have taken a recent turn with the formation of a new political committee, Missourians for a Single Market. Spearheaded by leaders of the hemp industry, this initiative proposes an overhaul of the state’s marijuana regulations. The group’s goal is to establish what it believes is a more unified and equitable framework for both the hemp and marijuana markets.

A New Direction for Missouri’s Cannabis/Hemp Industry?

The proposed plan seeks to dismantle the constitutional amendment passed by Missouri voters in 2022, which legalized recreational marijuana under a highly regulated system. By doing so, the initiative intends to hand over regulatory authority to the Missouri General Assembly to create statutory rules, mirroring regulations in place for industries like alcohol and tobacco.

Hemp leaders argue that the Constitution should limit government overreach and not outline detailed regulations for private-sector industries. By replacing the current framework, the Missouri hemp industry believes this initiative aims to streamline and simplify the operational and regulatory processes for cannabis businesses in the state of Missouri.

The committee highlights that the current system creates an imbalance between hemp and marijuana businesses. While marijuana operators face heavy compliance costs due to licensing requirements and regulatory oversight, hemp businesses still operate in a largely unlicensed market. Missourians for a Single Market argues that a unified regulatory market could eliminate these inconsistencies.

Eapen Thampy, a hemp lobbyist affiliated with the initiative, explains, The goal is to have regulations “no more burdensome than what we already have for alcohol and tobacco” via the Missouri Independent.

Missourians for a Single Market Objectives

The primary intent of the initiative is twofold. First, it seeks to rewrite the rules governing cannabis, ensuring that regulations for hemp and marijuana are on equal footing. Second, the group is advocating for the cannabis industry to undergo similar regulatory processes as alcohol and tobacco sectors, framing it as a fair and efficient approach to oversight.

Additionally, while this initiative does alter regulatory language, it reportedly ensures that cannabis remains legal in Missouri during the transition process, retaining key features such as tax frameworks already in existence.

Thampy and organizers from Missourians for a Single Market highlight that the goal isn’t just to simplify compliance for businesses. They envision allowing cannabis products to reach broader retail markets, empowering licensed operators to access a wider range of consumers currently primarily served by the hemp industry.

Opposition from Missouri’s Regulated Marijuana Industry

The proposal, however, hasn’t convinced all players within Missouri’s cannabis sphere. Missouri’s regulated marijuana operators have voiced their concerns, arguing that the new amendment may destabilize the significant progress achieved since legalization.

According to Andrew Mullins, Executive Director of the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association, rolling back key sections of the amendment would unfairly undermine the regulated marijuana market, which contributed an estimated $241 million in state and local taxes in 2024.

Mullins has called the move a “bait-and-switch,” expressing concerns about turning over regulation to legislators without guaranteed protections for existing businesses and programs.

Mullins also emphasized the economic risk of this shift, saying, “Missourians aren’t likely to support changes that eliminate hundreds of millions in revenue for communities and veterans.”

What Lies Ahead?

Although the proposal is still in its drafting stage, organizers plan to file the initiative by August 2025 with an aim to secure its spot on the November 2026 ballot. Gathering support and collecting enough signatures will be critical steps as the group looks to persuade both policymakers and voters of its vision for a unified cannabis market.

It is important to recognize that despite resistance from marijuana operators, hemp advocates believe the timing is right for this shift.

With increased scrutiny on both hemp-derived products and marijuana sales channels, proponents argue a consolidated approach would be more practical and fair, especially as other states explore similarly integrative strategies.

Some believe that unifying Missouri regulations could lower entry barriers for legacy operators, expand access to retail markets, and diversify the cannabis ecosystem. This would potentially bring down costs for consumers and improve access to products.

However, others remain skeptical of whether transitioning oversight authority to the General Assembly will sufficiently address industry concerns, particularly as federal legalization and interstate commerce continue to evolve.

Wherever the debate leads, Missourians for a Single Market’s initiative will likely force crucial conversations about regulatory reform, economic impact, and the balance between public policy and private enterprise.

For now, Missouri’s cannabis community must decide whether this initiative represents the progress it envisions or whether it puts hard-won gains at risk.