Missouri

A Missouri ban on intoxicating hemp is a ‘priority,’ lawmakers say

Published

2 months ago

January 16, 2026

A Missouri ban on intoxicating hemp is a ‘priority,’ lawmakers say

Rebecca Rivas
| Missouri Independent

Missouri lawmakers debated two bills this week that would align the state with the federal limits on intoxicating hemp products set to go into effect in November.

Both Missouri bills would prohibit hemp products from containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container, which is among the limits included in a provision in the federal spending bill Congress approved last year.

They both would regulate intoxicating hemp the same as marijuana, which would essentially ban current hemp products because marijuana must be grown in Missouri and most hemp is grown outside of the state. They would also require hemp products to be sold in licensed cannabis dispensaries, where most are currently sold in gas stations, liquor stores, restaurants and smoke shops.

State officials estimated in 2024 that 40,000 food establishments and smoke shops and 1,800 food manufacturers were selling products that would be banned under the proposed federal regulations. It includes low-dose THC seltzers, such as Mighty Kind and Triple, that have increased in popularity at liquor stores and bars.

While business owners selling these products oppose the federal ban, some said they’re putting their support behind a proposal by Republican state Rep. Dave Hinman of O’Fallon because it would allow Missouri to sell the products if Congress changes its mind in the future.

A House committee discussed Hinman’s legislation Tuesday, Jan. 13, making it one of the first bills to get a public hearing during the new legislative session that began last week.

“The bottom line for us is, if it’s authorized and it’s lawful under federal law, we should be able to sell it here in Missouri, just like all the other 49 states will be able to sell it,” said Ron Leon, executive director of the Missouri Petroleum and Convenience Association, which represents gas stations and convenience stores, during the hearing Tuesday evening.

The other bill, proposed by Republican state Sen. David Gregory of Chesterfield, does not include this provision. Another difference in Gregory’s bill is that it includes an emergency clause, meaning it would be enacted as soon as lawmakers approve it and the governor signs it.

“Now it’s time for us to ensure the safety of our kids, regardless of what Congress did or will be doing in the future,” Gregory said during the Senate committee hearing Wednesday morning. “And we need to prohibit intoxicating cannabis from being sold anywhere except for the way our voters designed it and requested it be sold. And that’s exactly what this bill seeks to do.”

The Missouri Cannabis Trade Association, which represents marijuana businesses, has put its support behind both bills. The Missouri Hemp Trade Association, which represents a number of hemp businesses, spoke in opposition to Gregory’s bill but was neutral on Hinman’s bill.

This will be the fourth year in a row that Missouri lawmakers have attempted to regulate intoxicating hemp products, with previous debates ending in stalemates.

However, Hinman said this is a priority for the state’s leadership.

“I met with [Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway] last week, and she thinks this needs to be a priority,” Hinman told The Independent. “I believe the governor is the same and the speaker (of the House) is the same, so I think it’s going to move pretty quick.”

The Law Enforcement Legislative Coalition, which represents police chiefs across Missouri, is supporting both bills. Lake Saint Louis Police Department Chief Chris DiGiuseppi emphasized at both the Senate and House committee hearings this week that the federal provision does not give local police authority to enforce the ban, which is why the state bills are necessary.

“In order to enforce federal law, we’d have to go to a federal law enforcement agency,” DiGiuseppi told the state Senate committee members Wednesday. “We would have to get others involved. We can only enforce state statute. That’s what we’re empowered to do.”

State Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from Defiance, asked DiGiuseppi how difficult it would be to enforce the federal ban if Missouri lawmakers fail to pass regulations again this year.

“It would be much more difficult,” DiGiuseppi said. “It’s always easier to try to take care of that in house … so we appreciate all the help we can get.”

Kathi Harness, a lobbyist for the Missouri Beer Wholesalers Association, opposed both bills during hearings this week. She argued that state lawmakers should consider conversations that are happening at the national level.

Earlier this week, a U.S. House bill was filed to delay the implementation of the federal ban until 2028.

The association is supporting separate legislation to allow the sale of intoxicating hemp beverages to continue, contingent on what happens at the federal level.

“I believe, as do many people, … that what they will do is they will give it back to the states to regulate,” Harness said. “The federal government doesn’t regulate alcohol at the federal level. Alcohol is regulated at the state level, and I think there’s a very good chance that that’s how it will go if, in fact, the federal government decides to allow this product.”

This story was first published at missouriindependent.com.

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Missouri

Missouri bill that would split Jackson County and Kansas City gets little support from lawmakers

Published

7 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Missouri bill that would split Jackson County and Kansas City gets little support from lawmakers

A Missouri House committee had its first hearing this week on a proposed constitutional amendment that would split Kansas City and Jackson County upon approval by voters.

The legislation is nicknamed “Jackxit,” a nod to Brexit, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union in 2020.

Republican state Rep. Mike Steinmeyer is sponsoring the bill. He said eastern Jackson County voters feel underrepresented in the county government, and this legislation would give them the power to change that.

At the hearing, committee members listened to Steinmeyer’s presentation of the bill before asking questions and sharing their thoughts.

Democratic state Rep. Bridget Walsh Moore compared what the bill proposes to “The Great Divorce” that saw the legal separation of the city of St. Louis from St. Louis County in 1876.

Several committee members criticized a part of the bill that says if it’s signed into law, the question of whether to split the county in two would appear on the Missouri ballot every 10 years.

Moore called it a “never-ending clause.”

“There’s a provision that says every 10 years this has to go back on the ballot, whether you like it or not,” Moore said. “And we’re going to keep voting on it, until you vote the way we think you should.”

Democratic state Rep. Jeff Hales said the bill’s language suggests the question would reappear on the ballot every 10 years until it’s approved by voters.

“Why does it end when it’s approved if the importance and the value here is giving the voters of Jackson County a right to weigh in on their charter and their government?” Hales said.

Steinmeyer said that clause exists to give Jackson County voters the opportunity to weigh in on their form of government.

“It gives them the right to speak and say we want change, or we want to abolish and start over,” Steinmeyer said. “That’s all we’re asking for.”

Democratic state Rep. Ashley Aune questioned how the ballot question would protect the right of voters. Steinmeyer said it protects their right to vote and be heard, specifically on their governance.

Lobbyist Shannon Cooper testified on behalf of the city of Kansas City, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City. He said during a public comment period that the bill was “the most befuddling piece of legislation” that he’s had to testify for or against.

Cooper brought up the historic recall election of County Executive Frank White Jr. and said the recall showed the system Steinmeyer is trying to fix with this bill can work.

“If the voters are not happy, they can deal with their problems,” Cooper said. “They’ve proven that in the last year.”

No action was taken on the bill, and it is not yet scheduled for a future hearing.

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Kansas City, Missouri, City Council voted Thursday to approve the city’s $2.6 billion budget for 2026-27

Published

19 hours ago

March 26, 2026

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Kansas City, Missouri, City Council voted Thursday to approve the city’s .6 billion budget for 2026-27

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City, Missouri, City Council voted Thursday to approve a $2.6 billion budget for the city’s fiscal year of 2026-27.

The budget includes $744 million in spending for public safety, including $26.3 million for a new Department of Community Safety and $4.2 million to hire 50 new KCMO Police Department officers, along with 10 call takers and 10 dispatchers.

“Our budget respects the strong fiscal foundation the taxpayers have helped Kansas City build, maintaining a rainy-day fund of over $200 million, increasing road resurfacing, hiring more public safety and city workers, and investing in all Kansas City neighborhoods,” Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a news release from the city. “In a city that can walk and chew gum, we are proud to welcome the world while delivering strong basic services for Kansas City’s families.”

The council voted to spend $83.8 million for the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority to provide bus services, but the KCATA may have to make cuts in bus services even with a $6 million boost in funding from the city.

In addition, the council approved spending $39.4 million for citywide street resurfacing and $1.5 million for tearing down dangerous buildings.

“This budget reflects a collaborative effort across the city, and provides a clear path for Kansas City to keep moving forward with discipline, accountability and a focus on service,” City Manager Mario Vasquez said in the news release. “Thank you to the council for its thoughtful deliberation and input in crafting this budget.”

More information on the fiscal year 2026-27 budget can be found on the city’s website.

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Missouri

Missouri Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for March 25, 2026

Published

1 day ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 25, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from March 25 drawing

07-21-55-56-64, Powerball: 26, Power Play: 4

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from March 25 drawing

Midday: 3-2-0

Midday Wild: 7

Evening: 0-0-5

Evening Wild: 5

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 25 drawing

Midday: 2-6-3-9

Midday Wild: 4

Evening: 9-5-6-8

Evening Wild: 1

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from March 25 drawing

Early Bird: 07

Morning: 09

Matinee: 04

Prime Time: 14

Night Owl: 07

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from March 25 drawing

12-14-22-26-28

Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from March 25 drawing

35-38-41-43-62, Powerball: 08

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Missouri Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Missouri Lottery’s regional offices, by appointment only.

To claim by mail, complete a Missouri Lottery winner claim form, sign your winning ticket, and include a copy of your government-issued photo ID along with a completed IRS Form W-9. Ensure your name, address, telephone number and signature are on the back of your ticket. Claims should be mailed to:

Ticket Redemption

Missouri Lottery

P.O. Box 7777

Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777

For in-person claims, visit the Missouri Lottery Headquarters in Jefferson City or one of the regional offices in Kansas City, Springfield or St. Louis. Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and check if an appointment is required.

For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Missouri Lottery prize claim page.

When are the Missouri Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Pick 4: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Cash4Life: 8 p.m. daily.
Cash Pop: 8 a.m. (Early Bird), 11 a.m. (Late Morning), 3 p.m. (Matinee), 7 p.m. (Prime Time) and 11 p.m. (Night Owl) daily.
Show Me Cash: 8:59 p.m. daily.
Lotto: 8:59 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Missouri editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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