Columbia CBD Business Owner Fears New State Law Will Force Closure

Ethan Jones says proposed regulations on hemp-derived products would devastate his downtown shop.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:20am

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring an elegant arrangement of glass bottles, tinctures, and topical creams, symbolizing the high-quality CBD products that could become harder for consumers to access under proposed state regulations.A showcase of premium CBD products that may soon be restricted to licensed dispensaries, raising concerns over consumer access and small business viability.Columbia Today

Ethan Jones, owner of MindRight Wellness in downtown Columbia, Missouri, is concerned that a new state bill regulating hemp-derived cannabinoid products will force him to close his business. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Dave Hinman, would reclassify many CBD products as marijuana, requiring them to be sold only through licensed dispensaries. Jones says this would cut over 20% of his monthly sales, making it impossible for him to stay open.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation aims to regulate a rapidly growing and largely unregulated market for hemp-derived products, but small business owners like Jones argue it will unfairly target legitimate operators and limit consumer access to affordable CBD alternatives.

The details

Jones has sold CBD products at his shop for six years, catering to customers seeking relief for issues like chronic pain, sleep disorders, and anxiety. He says the products provide an effective, non-pharmaceutical option. However, under the new bill, many of these CBD items would be reclassified as marijuana, meaning they could only be sold through licensed dispensaries. Businesses caught selling these products outside the regulated system could face fines of up to $5,000 per transaction and potential felony charges.

  • The bill is currently on the desk of Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe and is set to take effect in November 2026 if signed into law.
  • Jones says he will be forced to close his business if the bill is not vetoed.

The players

Ethan Jones

The owner of MindRight Wellness, a downtown Columbia business that has sold CBD products for six years.

Rep. Dave Hinman

The Missouri state representative who sponsored House Bill 2641, which would tighten regulations on hemp-derived cannabinoid products.

Gov. Mike Kehoe

The governor of Missouri who will decide whether to sign House Bill 2641 into law.

Andrew Mullins

The executive director of MoCannTrade, a trade association that supports the proposed legislation.

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What they’re saying

“This will cut into over about 20% of my sales, and eventually this will lead me to having to close my doors. I help a lot of the older folks here in their community. These are products that don't make people high, this is 100% for relief.”

— Ethan Jones, Owner, MindRight Wellness

“From Day 1 of this session, Gov. Kehoe and legislative leaders have made protecting the health and public safety of Missourians a clear priority. Law enforcement has long wanted these untested, untaxed, unlicensed, intoxicating products off the shelves.”

— Andrew Mullins, Executive Director, MoCannTrade

What’s next

Governor Kehoe will decide whether to sign House Bill 2641 into law in the coming weeks. If the bill is signed, businesses like MindRight Wellness will have until November 2026 to comply with the new regulations.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tension between efforts to regulate the rapidly growing hemp-derived cannabinoid market and the impact on small businesses that have built their operations around providing affordable CBD alternatives to customers. The outcome could significantly reshape the retail landscape for these products in Missouri.