Hemp and CBD industries face uncertainty amid new THC regulations

Hemp and CBD businesses in Missouri and Kentucky are facing significant uncertainty due to impending regulatory bans on intoxicating hemp products.

In Missouri, a ban scheduled for November 12 will classify any product containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container as marijuana. This requires such products to be sold exclusively in licensed dispensaries using locally grown and manufactured cannabis. Industry leaders note that while some companies are pivoting to alternative products like mushroom-based seltzers, others face closure. Medical professionals have expressed concern regarding the loss of access to full-spectrum products for patients seeking relief from various conditions.

In Kentucky, a potential federal ban is also threatening the industry. The proposed regulations would prohibit CBD products with more than 0.4 milligrams of THC. Business owners in the state, where the hemp industry was valued at over $330 million in 2025, report that many rely on these products for pain management and anxiety relief. Farmers and retailers express concern that these restrictions could devastate the local economy and remove harm-reduction alternatives for consumers.