Missouri-Compliant Terpenes: An Overview
Scott Holden
|
July 25, 2024
All Articles
Missouri-Compliant Terpenes: An Overview
Scott Holden
|
December 18, 2024
Table of Contents
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
According to the state numbers, Missouri has built a $1.4 billion cannabis market, but consumer safety still reigns supreme. The state has installed a full spectrum of legislation to regulate the sale, packaging, and labeling of both hemp and marijuana products, not to mention the additional requirements for third-party testing. (1)
If you are part of the cannabis ecosystem in Missouri and working with terpenes as part of your formulation, here's everything you should know about compliant terpene-based products in Missouri.
The Industry is Cracking Down. Secure Your Supply
With bans on synthetic terpenes now in effect across states like California, Michigan, New York, and most recently, Missouri, it’s more crucial than ever to know exactly what’s in your terpene supply.
Why take the risk? Lab Effects has always provided a 100% natural, GRAS Food-Grade terpene portfolio, ensuring compliance across all 50 states. We are experienced with the documentation process in state-specific markets, including Missouri. We can guide you through the process to have you ready within hours.
As the industry's trusted source, we help you stay ahead of the regulations.
Overview of Missouri’s Cannabis Regulations
In the wake of recreational cannabis legalization by Missouri in December 2022, the state has established a comprehensive regulatory environment for cannabis (including hemp) and terpenes. Missouri’s approach emphasizes consumer safety and product quality, following in the footsteps of states with more mature cannabis markets.
Let’s look at Missouri's regulations regarding terpenes, focusing on compliance requirements for product consistency and the implications for businesses offering premium products.
Role of the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation (DCR)
The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) serves as the primary authority overseeing cannabis operations within the state, managing a range of responsibilities to ensure compliance and safety in the industry. The DCR handles the licensing system for cannabis facilities, requiring distinct licenses for cultivation facilities, manufacturing operations, dispensaries, testing facilities, and transportation services.
Beyond licensing, the DCR has regulatory authority to issue and revoke licenses, enforce safety and security standards, monitor compliance, ensure product testing, and oversee the state's track and trace system.
In 2023, the DCR expanded its responsibilities to regulate both medical and adult-use cannabis, but this growth has brought challenges, including extended approval times for product applications, the implementation of new regulations without proper rulemaking procedures, and delays in processing license sales and facility address changes.
Key Regulatory Requirements
Missouri's regulations mandate strict labeling requirements for cannabis products. Labels must include necessary warnings, cannabinoid profiles, and terpenoid profiles. Specific guidelines dictate that terpene products must clearly state their active ingredients and concentrations from an official analysis, ensuring transparency for consumers.
Testing Protocols for Cannabis Products in Missouri
There are currently 10 laboratories approved by the state of Missouri for testing and determining levels of safety and health in cannabis products.
All cannabis products must be tested in their final form, including terpene-infused vapes, edibles, and pre-rolls. The components must also be tested. The required tests for all cannabis products include:
- Cannabinoid profile and potency
- Microbial impurities
- Heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and chromium)
- Residual pesticides (61 chemicals)
- Residual solvents (20 types)
- Mycotoxins (Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A)
- Moisture content and water activity
- Foreign materials
What is notable is that the terpene profile is optional. Terpenes are included only if requested, in which case they must be done from the same sample as the other tests.
Furthermore, testing facilities must:
- Hold ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation
- Submit results within 7 days of sample collection
- Use the state's track and trace system (Metrc)
- Maintain records for 5 years
Interestingly, after several Missouri manufacturers were found to be submitting to several labs and cherry-picking results (a scheme known as lab-shopping), the state set aside funding from state taxes on cannabis products to build and operate Missouri's own cannabis product testing lab, which is aiming to be less vulnerable to fraud.
Action Limits and Reporting
Missouri has established action limits for various contaminants in terpene products. These limits dictate acceptable levels of substances that could pose health risks. Testing results must be reported using the metric system to maintain consistency across the industry.
Stay on top of testing requirements with Lab Effects.
Our terpenes are ready for testing and meet all Missouri cannabis testing standards
Contact us directly
Shop Now
Specific Labeling Guidelines for Terpenes in Missouri
Missouri does not currently mandate specific testing for terpenes, leaving it up to the manufacturer of the terpene-infused product. However, if testing is conducted, the results must be on the label.
If conducted, all terpenes must be on the ingredient list singly (for example, they cannot be listed in a group as in "natural botanical terpenes). What happens if you add strain-specific terpenes or terpene blends? You must list these out according to their components.
For example, Blue Dream Blend Botanically Derived Terpenes must be followed by an itemized list: myrcene, alpha-pinene, beta-caryophyllene, beta-pinene, d-limonene, alpha-bisabolol, alpha-cedrene, alpha-humulene, alpha-phellandrene, alpha-terpinene, alpha-terpineol, camphene, camphor, cis-ocimene, fenchol, geraniol, isoborneol, linalool, l-menthol, nerol, sabinene, terpinolene, trans-ocimene, valencene, benzoin, citral diethyl acetal, citronellol, and delta-3-care.
Missouri also mandates that the solvents used in the cannabis extraction method are also listed. Common solvents you’ll find listed include butane, propane, ethanol, CO2, hexane, and pentane.
Ensure the safety and transparency of your products.
Lab Effects offers terpene solutions that enhance product quality and foster consumer trust. Contact us to learn more
Contact us directly
Shop Now
Is Terpene Testing Mandatory?
While testing for terpenes is not mandatory under Missouri law, most manufacturers that are enhancing their cannabis products with terpenes will want to have analyses done as a way to stay ahead of more stringent labeling regulations.
Terpene testing also gives consumers insight into possible added benefits. Maybe they are seeking anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or sleep-enhancing effects. With the terpenes listed, consumers can make more informed decisions.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with Missouri's cannabis regulations can lead to severe repercussions for businesses. Potential consequences include:
- Product recalls, meaning that non-compliant products may be removed from shelves and destroyed
- Financial losses due to the costs associated with recalls and legal penalties for non-compliance
Market Trust and Consumer Safety
Adherence to regulatory standards enhances consumer confidence in cannabis products. When businesses comply with labeling and testing requirements, they demonstrate a commitment to quality and safety. This transparency fosters trust among consumers, which is crucial in an industry where product integrity is paramount.
Importance of Sourcing Compliant Terpenes
While Missouri does not yet ban synthetic terpenes, many states do. Considering Missouri's regulations currently emphasize consumer safety and product integrity, it's safe to assume synthetic terpenes may become a concern for state regulators in the near future.
Any synthetic terpenes added to your cannabis products may contradict what’s been outlined in the state standards for safety and integrity. Since there is currently an absence of specific laws regarding synthetic terpenes, this has led to a challenging and very uncertain space for manufacturers and consumers to navigate.
How can you source and use synthetics with confidence when new regulations may be enacted at any time? Ensuring compliance with broader cannabis regulations while navigating this current ambiguity is easier with naturally sourced terpenes with no additives or traces of harsh extraction chemicals.
The road to compliance starts with appropriate sourcing. Using a company that sells only all-natural terpenes is the clear choice to avoid having to recreate processes later if synthetic terpenes are banned in Missouri’s future.
Don’t risk financial loss or market recall.
Contact Lab Effects today to secure compliant, all-natural terpenes for your products.
Contact us directly
Shop Now
Supplier Accountability
Businesses must prioritize partnerships with suppliers that meet Missouri's compliance standards. Ensuring suppliers provide compliant terpenes is vital for maintaining product integrity and avoiding legal issues.
Companies should conduct thorough due diligence when selecting suppliers to ensure they adhere to all regulatory requirements. A partner like Lab Effects can be the perfect place to start, as our terpenes already comply with existing laws, and we keep up with state-by-state changes.
Lab Effects: Your Source for Compliant Terpenes
Terpenes can enhance your products in a highly competitive state like Missouri. Terpenes help you strengthen specific strain-type aromas and flavors, especially in cannabis products where the processing style means original flavor content has been lost. Plus, the therapeutic effects of terpenes make them the perfect addition to cannabis products marketing to health-conscious audiences.
- Lab Effects has 40+ true-to-flower terpene strains available.
- Our cannabis and botanical terpenes only come from natural plant sources.
- We never use solvents or harsh extraction methods to isolate our terpenes.
- We can develop bespoke terpene profiles to match your specific needs.
Order cannabis terpenes wholesale today from a reputable company in the U.S. cannabis industry. Lab Effects is cGMP-certified, ISO 9001-certified, HACCP-certified, FDA-registered, and ANAB-accredited.
References