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

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


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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.”

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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.”

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This story was first published at missouriindependent.com.



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Flash flooding traps hundreds of people in rural Missouri

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Flash flooding traps hundreds of people in rural Missouri


Flash flooding unleashed by torrential downpours from a wave of thunderstorms struck the Ozark Mountains in ​rural southeastern Missouri on Friday, trapping hundreds of people in high water along the rain-swollen Black River, ‌officials said.



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SEMA sets info sessions for FEMA Public Assistance for late-April storms

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SEMA sets info sessions for FEMA Public Assistance for late-April storms


The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency will conduct applicant briefings for local governments and nonprofit agencies applying for Public Assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

President Donald Trump approved Missouri’s request for a major disaster declaration for storms that hit the state between April 23-28.

The following counties are included in the federal disaster declaration: Carroll, Chariton, Greene, Holt, Howard, Monroe, Randolph, Saline and St. Francois, according to the news release. 

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The five mid-Missouri counties included in the Public Assistance request experienced tornadoes on April 27 that damaged homes, businesses, farms and infrastructure, according to previous KOMU 8 reporting. 

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides financial assistance to local governments and qualifying nonprofits for the repair of damaged roads, bridges and other public infrastructure as well as reimbursement of associated emergency response and recovery costs.

Five counties in mid-Missouri hit by severe weather in late April will get assistance from FEMA for impacts to infrastructure.

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SEMA strongly encourages all eligible agencies that plan to apply for assistance in the 10 declared counties following the federal disaster declaration to attend one of the briefings, according to a Missouri State Emergency Management Agency news release.

Briefing information

The briefings will take place July 14-16 and explain program changes, eligibility information, the federal reimbursement processes and documentation requirements, according to the news release. 

Applicant briefings are not for the general public; they are for FEMA’s Public Assistance program only, according to the news release.

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Two applicant briefings will be held in mid-Missouri: one in Marshall and one in Moberly.

The briefing in Marshall will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 15 at Marshall City Hall, 214 North Lafayette Ave.

The briefing in Moberly will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 16 at Moberly Area Community College – Activity Center, 101 College Ave.

In-person applicant briefings can last up to four hours and provide an opportunity to meet with FEMA personnel, begin the required paperwork and ask questions, according to the news release. 

Any government agency, including special districts such as road, water or sewer districts, or nonprofits in the declared counties that incurred disaster-related expenses should attend, including those that are unsure of their eligibility status, according to the news release. 

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Attendees should bring their organization’s Unique Entity Identifier and federal Employer Identification Number, to register in a timely manner, according to the news release. 

All requests for Public Assistance must be submitted to FEMA within 30 days of the June 30 disaster declaration date, or July 30, according to the news release.

Applicants should plan accordingly as Public Assistance must first be received by SEMA before being submitted to FEMA by the August deadline, according to the news release. 

Those who are unable to attend the briefing may watch a recorded informational video on SEMA’s website.

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Missouri Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 winning numbers for July 9, 2026

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

Here’s a look at July 9, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Pick 3 numbers from July 9 drawing

Midday: 3-9-1

Midday Wild: 4

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Evening: 7-7-1

Evening Wild: 1

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from July 9 drawing

Midday: 0-5-3-2

Midday Wild: 8

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Evening: 4-9-6-9

Evening Wild: 7

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from July 9 drawing

Early Bird: 11

Morning: 13

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Matinee: 08

Prime Time: 05

Night Owl: 10

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from July 9 drawing

08-09-20-23-32

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Check Show Me Cash 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

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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.

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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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