Holts Summit raises legal age to buy intoxicating hemp

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

People now have to be 21 years old to buy intoxicating hemp products within the city of Holts Summit.

The Board of Aldermen passed the ordinance 3-1 to increase the age limit at its Jan. 13 meeting, according to City Clerk Rachel Anderson. The age limit went into effect immediately after passage.

According to the bill language, hemp-derived products are unregulated by federal and state agencies, which means these products go unchecked for product testing, don't have an age limit and can be sold in a variety of places, like gas stations and vape shops.

New federal rules regulating the products go into effect in November, and state lawmakers are working on rules for Missouri in the current legislative session.

These products are sometimes designed after popular snacks and candies, which often target a younger audience, according to the bill language. The bill cites this as being double the legal limit for adult-use marijuana.

"The City finds it necessary to enact regulations related to the sale of intoxicating cannabinoids found in hemp-derived products to protect the general public health, safety, and welfare, and specifically to protect those under the age of twenty-one from the adverse effects associated with the consumption of intoxicating cannabinoids," the bill reads.

The bill also includes nonintoxicating CBD products.

Ward 2 Alderman Thomas Wulff voted against the measure.

Intoxicating hemp products use a type of THC derived from hemp plants, which are closely related to marijuana plants. The compound is similar to the THC in marijuana, but many users say it delivers a milder high.

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