ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - A billion-dollar industry in Missouri could soon face new rules in St. Louis County. 

Councilmembers are debating whether hemp-derived products that can mimic marijuana should be treated just like cannabis sold in dispensaries.

The proposal would regulate intoxicating hemp cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC,  products made legal under the 2018 farm bill, which was originally meant for industrial hemp like textiles—not products that get people high.

They say this is a dangerous loophole. Councilwoman Lisa Clancy is claiming they’re outside of any testing or labeling system and says it’s about public health and keeping kids away from packaging that looks cartoonish and appealing. 

Clancy even showed off bags of products bought legally from stores in every district and compared them to Missouri cannabis packaging, which bans the use of more than two colors and any images like animals or people—anything that could appeal to kids.

Supporters argue many of these items are untested for pesticides, mold, or potency. But business owners pushed back, saying they already check IDs and could be forced to close if the bill passes. 

Farmers, scientists, medical professionals and business owners from around the Midwest showed up this afternoon to speak about this on both sides, with advocates pointing to more than a billion dollars in sales statewide last year, including $240 million in taxes.

Time did run out so most of the speakers didn't wrap up in committee, so the council will schedule a Committee of the Whole before any vote is taken.