Missouri AG Sends 33 Cease and Desist Letters to Unlicensed Dispensaries
- The Missouri Attorney General’s Office sent cease and desist letters to 33 retailers for selling unlicensed cannabis products or products marketed as cannabis.
- Attorney General Catherine L. Hanaway condemned the products as “adulterated” and in violation of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, demanding an end to deceptive packaging and confusing retail tactics.
- Lab tests revealed dangerous contaminants in some products, including lead, arsenic, mercury, ethanol, and pesticides.
- The order targeted 18 shops in St. Louis, 13 in Kansas City, and 2 in Springfield, with the Attorney General vowing to hold violators fully accountable.
The Missouri Attorney General’s Office announced on Thursday that officials have sent cease and desist letters to 33 retailers in the state who were allegedly selling cannabis products, or products marketed as cannabis, without a license.
Attorney General Catherine L. Hanaway demanded the businesses stop selling the products, labeling them “adulterated” and “in violation of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act.” The cease and desist letters also demand the businesses stop using packaging that is “deceptive” or attractive to children, and prohibit retail strategies designed to confuse consumers.
The attorney general’s office noted that lab testing on some of the products revealed lead, arsenic, mercury, ethanol (and other solvents), and pesticides.
“These unlicensed dispensaries are peddling dangerous, deceptive, and intoxicating cannabis and marijuana products. A storefront and a sales counter do not magically convert an illegal drug operation into a legitimate business. My Office is prepared to use the full extent of our authority to hold bad actors accountable.” — AG Hanaway, in a press release
Hanaway’s order included 18 shops in the St. Louis area, as well as 13 in Kansas City and 2 in Springfield.