August 28th started like any other sweltering summer day in Missouri, with a forecast predicting heat and a slim 15% chance of rain. We were ready to face the sun’s wrath as Slaphappy Hemp welcomed VFW leadership and State Representatives from the veterans commission to our field day. But, in true Missouri fashion, the weather had other plans.
The day was full of surprises. We prepared for the heat, but instead, the sky opened up, drenching our event. At least we didn’t have to worry about the heat with the cool rain, and thankfully, our hemp paper bags held up against the rain better than most regular paper bags would. The unexpected showers may have dampened our handouts, but not our spirits.
One of our distinguished guests, Rep. Dave Griffith, arrived early, squeezing us into his packed schedule. The Governor had called a task force meeting on the opiate crisis—some questioned the timing, but we were grateful Rep. Griffith adjusted his plans to join us. He’s one of the workhorses at the Capitol, a rare breed these days. His presence set the tone for the day—serious, but with an undercurrent of resilience and hope.
As Rep. Griffith departed, VFW leadership began trickling in, just as the sky offered another ‘experience enhancement’ with more rain. The weather kept us on our toes, but it didn’t stop us. After some mingling and press interviews, we kicked off our presentation and discussions, determined to set the record straight on a few key issues.
One of the biggest topics we tackled was the misconception that the VA would revoke benefits if veterans used cannabinoids. We cleared that up fast, pointing directly to the VA’s own website, which encourages veterans to talk with their doctors about cannabinoid use. But we didn’t stop there. We spent considerable time discussing drug interactions, emphasizing that while cannabinoids are relatively safe, it’s crucial to verify that they won’t interfere with other medications. This is something we stress with all our customers—safe, but verify. Always consult with your doctor before adding cannabinoids to your regimen.
We also shared the story behind Dolor, our flagship tincture. John’s journey from being prescribed opiates by the VA to creating Dolor was a highlight, showing how necessity and personal experience drove innovation. The development of Dolor’s three versions—catering to those who need THC, those who need cannabinoids without THC, and even those who can’t have cannabinoids at all—was a true labor of love, tested by family and friends.
Mellocello, our hemp-infused beverage, sparked a lot of interest, especially when we explained its dual purpose. Not just a social drink, it’s a potent, natural relief for nausea and vomiting, particularly before chemotherapy. It’s a product with soul and a sense of purpose, something that resonated deeply with our guests.
The VFW leaders shared exciting news as well—there is a resolution working its way through the channels that could potentially make it to the State Convention Floor. If passed and approved, it will then be sent to the National Resolution Committee. This resolution is aimed at supporting hemp, much like their stance on medical marijuana. But after our discussions yesterday, there might be an added demand—the VA needs to investigate hemp-derived cannabinoids for helping veterans. Hemp is federally legal, after all, and its potential should be explored without the usual red tape.
The Missouri Hemp Trade Association (MHTA) also played a significant role in the day’s events. They spoke with VFW leadership about their commitment to supporting efforts for veterans and cannabinoid therapies. MHTA is developing a partnership with our A Thousand Ripples initiative to expand our reach and assist more veterans who can benefit from these therapies. Their dedication to veterans, both within the industry and those served by it, was evident throughout the day. MHTA even committed to providing information and education tables at VFW events across Missouri. Additionally, the VFW offered the MHTA the opportunity to speak at an upcoming conference—a chance to further advocate for the benefits of hemp and cannabinoid therapies for veterans.
Recent developments in Missouri's regulatory landscape have added a new layer of complexity to our mission. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft has twice rejected Governor Parson's proposed emergency rules that would have imposed stringent restrictions on hemp-derived THC products. This pushback underscores the ongoing debate over state versus federal oversight and reinforces the importance of preserving access to these therapies for consumers and veterans alike. The outcome of this regulatory battle could have significant implications for the future of hemp in Missouri, making our work—and the work of the Missouri Hemp Trade Association (MHTA)—even more critical as we continue to advocate for fair and informed policies.
Adding to the momentum, Matthew Overcast, the Republican primary winner for Missouri’s District 155 and an Air Force veteran, said,
"I proudly support Missouri’s veterans and the farmers, manufacturers, and retailers in our federally regulated hemp industry. While addressing bad actors targeting children is important, the Governor's claim of widespread harm is overstated. Labeling all hemp-derived products as 'adulterated' contradicts state and federal law and ignores that many problematic products come from out-of-state. This executive order is political, not about protecting children. Instead, we should implement reasonable state regulations, as the Missouri Hemp Industry Association has advocated, to support small businesses producing safe, beneficial products. I look forward to working with Missourians to pass reasonable regulations to ensure our children are protected while letting businesses compete"
His support for his fellow veterans was greatly appreciated, reinforcing the community’s commitment to advancing these vital resources.
The day wasn’t what we planned, but it was a testament to our ‘Semper Gumby’ spirit—always flexible, always adapting. As Eisenhower once said, “Plans are useless, but planning is everything.” Our original plan may have gone to hell with the unexpected rain and changing schedules, but because we planned, we could adapt and overcome the challenges that came our way. The Missouri Hemp Trade Leaders also stepped up, promising to support us at upcoming events with information tables and presentations to educate the VFW membership.
There are challenges ahead, no doubt. But armed with truth, education, and a solid plan, we’re optimistic. The future of hemp in Missouri is bright, even if there are a few dark clouds looming.
NewUpdate: We Need Your Help Now More Than Ever
Missouri's officials are playing dirty, violating both the law and the Constitution to protect out-of-state interests at the expense of local companies like ours. But let’s be clear—it’s not just us they’re trying to control, it’s you! They want your Second Amendment rights and they want you to risk committing a felony by using federally illegal marijuana, all while falsely claiming your rights are protected. Just look at what happened to Hunter Biden—he exercised his First Amendment rights by writing a book, and they used it against him in his conviction. That's the same thing Governor Parsons is asking veterans to do with his Executive Order 24-10...become felons, while the Governor commits potential felonies.
If we are to be a state of laws, then our officials must follow the laws, not break them. Missouri’s own Revised Statutes make it clear:
RSMo 196.070.2 states, "A food shall not be considered adulterated solely for containing industrial hemp, or an industrial hemp commodity or product."
Additionally, RSMo 195.010.24 defines "industrial hemp" as:
"All nonseed parts and varieties of the Cannabis sativa L. plant, growing or not, that contain an average delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration that does not exceed three-tenths of one percent on a dry weight basis or the maximum concentration allowed under federal law, whichever is greater."
Under federal law, as outlined in 7 CFR § 990.1, industrial hemp is defined as:
"All parts of the plant Cannabis sativa L., including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis."
We need your support now more than ever. Every penny counts—whether it’s $1 or $100, it adds up. Help us fight back against this unconstitutional overreach. This isn’t just about hemp, it’s about protecting your rights and holding our state officials accountable to the laws they are supposed to uphold.
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