Missouri Bill to Restrict Hemp THC Products Stalls Amid Senate Filibuster

Lawmakers debate how to align state rules with pending federal limits on intoxicating hemp products

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A push in the Missouri Senate to immediately adopt planned federal limits on intoxicating hemp products ran into a filibuster, with critics arguing any changes should wait until national regulations go into effect in November. The bill would prohibit hemp products from containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container and more than a total THC concentration of .3 percent on a dry weight basis. However, Democratic state Sen. Karla May led a two-hour filibuster, arguing the federal limits will likely change before they're enacted later this year.

Why it matters

Missouri lawmakers have failed to pass legislation regulating intoxicating hemp products since 2023, despite an estimated 40,000 food establishments and smoke shops selling these products that would be banned under the proposed federal regulations. The debate highlights the challenges of aligning state and federal rules around hemp and cannabis products.

The details

The bill debated, sponsored by Republican state Sen. David Gregory, would mirror the federal limits on intoxicating hemp products. However, May offered an amendment to align the state bill with a proposal in the House that would allow Missouri to sell the products if Congress permits them nationwide. Gregory said May's amendment went 'a little too far' because it would mean Missouri would just be doing 'whatever the feds tell us.' After over two hours of discussion, the Senate was forced to adjourn when it couldn't get enough lawmakers in the chamber to achieve a quorum.

  • The federal limits are set to go into effect in November 2026.
  • Congress passed the provision to ban these products as part of the federal spending package last year.

The players

Karla May

Democratic state Senator from St. Louis who led the filibuster against the bill.

David Gregory

Republican state Senator from Chesterfield who sponsored the bill to mirror the federal limits on intoxicating hemp products.

Dave Hinman

Republican state Representative from O'Fallon who sponsored a House bill to allow Missouri to sell the products if Congress permits them nationwide.

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What they’re saying

“We have to make sure that we don't have unintended consequences, and destroy things that do not need to be destroyed.”

— Karla May, State Senator (Missouri Independent)

“My bill continues with Congress's intent from three months ago, and of course, our great folks of Missouri's intent, which is: if it is intoxicating from the cannabis plant, it is marijuana and must be highly regulated under these specific rules.”

— David Gregory, State Senator (Missouri Independent)

What’s next

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