Questions remain after Missouri allows dangerous chemical in cannabis products

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Months after Missouri’s Division of Cannabis updated a rule to allow 25 times more of a dangerous chemical in the state’s cannabis products, advocates still have questions.

The Missouri chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws announced on Monday, July 15, that it has concerns about recently revised rules by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The move allows up to 25 times more Vitamin E Acetate to be found in marijuana sold around the Show-Me State.

“There appears to be no rational explanation for why the state of Missouri would dramatically increase the amount of a very toxic substance in legal cannabis products when none of it whatsoever should be present in them,” said Missouri NORML coordinator Dan Viets.

In 2019, NORML noted that thousands were sent to American hospitals while dozens were sent to the morgue due to the addition of Vitamin E Acetate to illegal cannabis products.

Advocates indicated that Vitamin E Acetate does not occur naturally during marijuana growth and has been added to organic products, like vaporization cartridges, to enhance the viscosity of the substance to make it more appealing to customers.

In February, DHSS’ Division of Cannabis Regulation chose to revise the tolerable amount of Vitamin E Acetate in legal products from 0.2 parts per million up to 5 ppm.

NORML claimed to have written DHSS several times to ask for the rationale for the dramatic increase. The only explanation it said it has received is as follows:

“DCR determined the good cause for granting this variance is that it provides accurate standardization of the method reference material for testing licensees, reduces the risks for false failures, and to ensure Vitamin E Acetate is not added to marijuana product.”

However, NORML noted that one cannot “ensure Vitamin E Acetate is not added to marijuana products” with an increase in the tolerance. KCTV5 News has reached out to DHSS and awaits a response.

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