The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) conducted an unscheduled inspection of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2661 on the morning of September 11. The inspection was part of the state’s crackdown on “adulterated” cannabis drinks. The local VFW chapter asserted that the drinks they sell comply with both state and federal laws and are only sold to adults 21 and older.
However, the DHSS received a complaint on Sept. 5 regarding the establishment’s products. VFW Commander Jason Stanfield expressed surprise at the inspection, noting that the VFW members are all adults well over 21 years old.
“There’s not a whole lot of kids that run around the VFW,” he said. Stanfield described the inspection as especially disruptive given the commemorative significance of the day. “We normally appreciate visitors to our Post home, but we question the timing of this inspection on September 11th, just after our flag was lowered to half-staff,” the group stated.
DHSS spokeswoman Lisa Cox clarified that the term “raid” used by Stanfield to describe the inspection was misleading, as only two inspectors were involved.
Missouri officials inspect VFW compliance
These inspectors were let in through a locked door and quickly determined that the VFW Post did not pose an immediate concern, particularly in regard to children’s safety.
No products were removed or destroyed, and the DHSS has no plans to return to the establishment. The controversy revolves around hemp versus marijuana distinctions. Hemp and marijuana refer to different parts of the cannabis plant, with hemp generally not being psychoactive unless chemically altered.
However, products like Delta-9 THC seltzers can be enhanced to have intoxicating effects. Stanfield criticized the state ban, stressing that many VFW members use cannabis products to aid in the recovery from alcoholism or opioid addiction. He cited multiple testimonies from members who have benefitted from using cannabis rather than opioids.
The DHSS classified the hemp drinks as “adulterated” during their inspection. Missouri law, updated in alignment with federal regulations in 2018 through the federal Farm Bill, states that a food shall not be considered adulterated solely for containing industrial hemp or its products. Stanfield vowed to continue selling the hemp-derived products as long as they remain federally legal, offering veterans a non-alcoholic option in their social setting.
“I will comply with federal law and sell these products until they’re not legal, to give my veterans a non-alcoholic option in a place where they can come and be with other veterans,” he said.
- MJBizDaily.”Missouri operators comply with new packaging rules amid marijuana recalls”.
- MarijuanaMoment.”Veterans Group Condemns Missouri Officials For ‘Raiding’ VFW Post Over Cannabis On 9/11, But Agency Pushes Back On Criticism”.
- MissouriIndependent.”Missouri VFW inspected by state regulators as part of ban on intoxicating hemp products”.