Fact Check: Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has sent 18 cease-and-desist letters to companies selling a hemp product called THCA flower that resembles marijuana flower.

Fact Check: Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey Sends 18 Cease-and-Desist Letters Regarding THCA Flower

What We Know

In May 2025, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey sent 18 cease-and-desist letters to various companies selling a hemp product known as THCA flower, which resembles marijuana flower. These letters were part of an effort to enforce the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA) against products that may contain intoxicating levels of THC. According to reports, the letters were dated May 14, 2025, and addressed concerns regarding the legality of selling hemp products with concentrations exceeding 0.3% delta-9-THCA on a dry weight basis, which is considered a violation of the law (Missouri Independent, Cannabis Science and Tech).

The letters indicated that the sale of such products could lead to legal actions, including injunctions and civil penalties. Attorney General Bailey emphasized the potential dangers of these products, particularly in relation to consumer safety and the risk of misleading marketing practices (Ganjapreneur, Hemp Today).

Analysis

The claim that Attorney General Andrew Bailey sent 18 cease-and-desist letters regarding THCA flower is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Missouri Independent reported on the issuance of these letters, detailing the legal implications for companies that continue to sell these products (Missouri Independent). Additionally, Cannabis Science and Tech provided further context on the content of the letters, noting that they specifically addressed the classification of THC under federal and state law (Cannabis Science and Tech).

The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news outlets that focus on legal and cannabis-related issues. The Missouri Attorney General's Office also maintains a press release page where such actions are documented, further confirming the authenticity of the letters (Press Releases | Attorney General Office of Missouri).

While some sources may have varying perspectives on the implications of these actions for the hemp industry, the core fact of the cease-and-desist letters being sent is consistently reported across multiple outlets, including Yahoo News and MMJ Daily (Yahoo, MMJ Daily).

Conclusion

The claim that Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey sent 18 cease-and-desist letters to companies selling THCA flower is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that these letters were issued as part of a legal enforcement action against products that may violate state law regarding THC levels.

Sources

1. Press Releases | Attorney General Office of Missouri
2. Missouri Attorney General threatens legal action against 18 hemp companies
3. Missouri Attorney General Warns Companies Over THCA Product Sales
4. Hemp industry leaders seek to deregulate Missouri cannabis
5. US (MO): State Attorney General sends 18 hemp companies cease and desist letters
6. Missouri AG Sends Cease and Desist Letters to 18 Hemp Companies
7. Missouri attorney general orders 18 retailers to stop selling THCA hemp flowers
8. Missouri Attorney General threatens legal action against 18 hemp companies