Last week, the Missouri Attorney General launched a consumer protection investigation to combat illicit products and sent out civil investigative demands to some businesses that sell delta-8 and delta-9 products.
These civil investigative demands come after receiving reports that distributors were potentially violating the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA), according to the Attorney General’s release statement, which grants Missourians the right to a marketplace free from fraudulent or deceptive business practices.
The investigation also stems from adverse health incidents occurring both in Missouri and around the nation — specifically incidents harming children. In March of 2024, six elementary-aged children in St. Louis County became so sick that their parents had to pick them up from school after reportedly ingesting delta-8 products that were packaged as “Nerds Rope Bites and Mad Monkey Sour Strawberry Premium Gummies.”
Creating a Safer Market for Missouri
The civil investigative demands (CIDs) that were sent to businesses that sell delta-8 and delta-9 goods allege that they engaged in illegal means to market and sell these products to Missourians.
“This investigation will inquire into the activities and representations of [certain sellers] in connection with the manufacturing, sale, marketing, advertisement, promotion, and/or distribution of products containing CBD, Delta-8, and Delta-9 THC. The Attorney General has reason to believe that [the company being investigated] has used deception, fraud, false promise, misrepresentation, unfair practices, and/or the concealment, suppression, or omission of material facts in connection with the sale or advertisement of CBD, Delta-8, and Delta-9 THC products,” the CIDs state.
“Curio Wellness is in full support of the state of Missouri’s initiative to investigate the illicit Delta-8 and Delta-9 cannabis market,” says Wendy Bronfein, Co-Founder, Chief Brand Officer and Director of Public Policy at Curio Wellness. “Ensuring consumer safety and upholding regulatory standards are paramount to our industry’s integrity. By introducing HB 1328, the Missouri government is taking a crucial step towards promoting transparency, protecting consumers, and fostering a thriving, responsible cannabis market in the state.”
Putting an End to Illicit Drugs
Attorney General Bailey also issued CIDs to distributors that sell e-cigarettes or illicit vapes, according to the statement.
With the CIDs, Attorney General Bailey is subpoenaing documents that will allow his office to get to the bottom of potential fraud or deception.
“I will always put consumers, and especially children, first,” concluded Attorney General Bailey. “My office is pushing forward full steam ahead as we work to preserve the integrity of the marketplace and protect Missourians.”
