Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway filed suit against Pressure STL, a business selling unregulated THC products without a license, including items she said are deceptively marketed as non-intoxicating, well-known candy and snack brands enjoyed by children.
“We will not stand idly by as adolescents are indoctrinated into addiction by unlicensed businesses prioritizing profit over consumers,” said Hanaway in a statement. “My Office will not tolerate drug dealers hiding behind candy wrappers.”
The Missouri Constitution and state law require safety testing and regulatory oversight of products, in addition to age-verification to ensure that underage persons do not have access to drugs.
Pressure STL is openly marketing products containing THC amounts over the potency threshold designated by the 2018 Farm Bill. These THC products, which are often created through chemical conversion processes, may also contain contaminants, solvents, or unknown byproducts. The FDA has not approved any intoxicating hemp products or hemp-derived cannabinoids for safe use.
“My message to bad actors drawing crime to our communities: If you are selling harmful, misleading products to consumers – especially children – my Office will act without hesitation,” said Attorney General Hanaway.
The lawsuit, filed in the Circuit Court of the City of St. Louis under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, is seeking civil penalties and injunctive relief prohibiting Pressure STL from selling cannabis products.
