The one-year anniversary of Missouri marijuana sales has sparked heated debate, with alarming data highlighting concerning trends in the Missouri cannabis market. Critics argue that the legalisation of high-potency marijuana has led to increased risks for public health and safety, particularly affecting children.

Alarming Data on Child Cannabis Exposure

According to data, the number of marijuana-related poison control calls for children aged five or under rose dramatically from just 7 in 2018 to a staggering 168 in 2023. This represents a 2,300% increase in such calls over five years. A report from Smart Approaches to Marijuana explained that the rise is partially attributed to the development of products that appeal to children, such as edibles resembling traditional sweets and snacks like gummy bears. This trend highlights a worrying lack of child-proof packaging, increasing the risk of accidental ingestion.

Legalisation Fails to Curb Black Market Activity

While commercial cannabis seeks to fill state coffers, problems persist. Illegal black market activities continue to thrive despite legalisation, and recent product recalls involving over 135,000 marijuana items have raised serious questions about regulatory oversight in the Missouri cannabis market.

Public health officials have also raised concerns about the potency of today’s marijuana products. Dr Heidi Miller from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services explained, “The marijuana they may have smoked a few decades ago has little resemblance to the potent variety sold at dispensaries. The stuff sold today may have four times more THC.” This significant increase in THC levels is contributing to heightened risks, especially for vulnerable groups. Learn More.

Experts are calling for urgent action to address these dangers. Suggestions include stricter potency limits, clearer product warnings about potential harm, advertising bans targeting young people, and increased funding for prevention and treatment programmes. Dr Kevin Sabet of Smart Approaches to Marijuana has emphasised the need for reforms, warning of the psychological, economic, and social consequences linked to cannabis use, particularly among vulnerable groups.

With rising emergency cases, ongoing black market issues, and a surge in cannabis poisonings, Missouri marijuana sales are under scrutiny. Observers say urgent reforms are needed to protect public health and shield future generations from the negative impacts of this rapidly expanding industry.

Source: Learn About Sam