The Missouri Attorney General’s Office announced Thursday that officials have sent cease and desist letters to 33 retailers in the state who are suspected of selling cannabis products, or products marketed as cannabis, without a license.
Attorney General Catherine L. Hanaway asked the businesses to stop selling the products, labeling them “counterfeit” and “in violation of the Missouri Trade Practices Act.” The cease and desist letters also require businesses to stop using packaging that is “deceptive” or appealing to children and to stop retail strategies designed to confuse consumers.
The Attorney General’s Office noted that laboratory testing on some of the products revealed lead, arsenic, mercury, ethanol (and other solvents) and pesticides.
“These unlicensed distributors are peddling dangerous, fraudulent and intoxicating cannabis and marijuana products. A storefront and a sales counter do not magically transform an illegal drug operation into a legitimate business. My office is prepared to use the full extent of our authority to hold bad actors accountable.” – AG Hanaway, in a press release
Hanaway’s order included 18 stores in the St. Louis area. Louis, as well as 13 in Kansas City and 2 in Springfield.
