How to Spot Unlicensed Cannabis Shops Posing as Dispensaries
Missouri’s cannabis market is thriving, but not every store advertising “THC” or “dispensary” is actually licensed. While state-regulated dispensaries follow strict safety, testing, and labeling standards, many hemp retailers selling Delta-8 or Delta-9 products operate in a legal gray zone. These shops may look like real dispensaries, but they aren’t regulated by the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation (DCR), meaning their products often skip important safety steps.
The Difference Between Licensed and “Hemp THC” Shops
Licensed dispensaries in Missouri are required to track every cannabis product from seed to sale. This means lab testing, verified potency, and clear labeling that lists THC content, batch numbers, and lab information. Hemp shops, on the other hand, sell products derived from hemp that contain THC analogs like Delta-8 or “hemp-derived Delta-9.” Because they all fall under the federal Farm Bill rather than Missouri’s cannabis program, they can legally sell intoxicating products with very little oversight.
This lack of regulation creates real risks. Without testing or quality control, products could contain inaccurate THC levels, residual solvents, pesticides, or even synthetic additives that aren’t safe for consumption.
How to Tell If a Shop Is Legit
If you’re unsure whether a dispensary is licensed, here are a few ways to check before you buy:
- Look for the Missouri Marijuana Regulatory Program (DCR) license posted inside or outside the store. Every licensed dispensary is required to display it.
- Ask to see a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from a state-approved testing lab. Real Missouri COAs come from labs like Green Precision Analytics, MoCann Testing, or Missouri Testing Services.
- Verify that the product label incudes a batch number, testing lab, and THC content.
- Visit mo.dcr.gov to find a list of licensed dispensaries and approved labs.
If you want to see what a real COA looks like, Missouri Hemp Hoax provides examples of verified state testing documentation versus fake or incomplete reports.
What to Do If you think you’re shopping somewhere unregulated
If you believe a store is misleading customers by pretending to be a licensed dispensary, you can file a report directly with the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation. You can do this by emailing cannabiscompliance@health.mo.gov or submitting a complaint on the DCR website. Include as many details as possible like the store name, location, and product info to help the state investigate.
Buying from unregulated sellers doesn’t just put your money at risk. It puts your health at risk, too. Products that aren’t tested or tracked could contain unsafe additives or incorrect dosages, which is why the DCR’s oversight exists in the first place.
Why It Matters
Missouri’s regulated cannabis program ensures that every gram sold in a licensed dispensary has passed safety testing for potency, purity, and contaminants. Unlicensed hemp shops don’t meet those same standards, even if their products look or sound the same.
Choosing licensed dispensaries means you’re supporting a safer, transparent, and compliant cannabis industry. You also know exactly what’s in your product with no guessing and no shortcuts.
Shop Smart and Stay Safe
Before you buy, take a minute to verify that the store is licensed. Check the labels, ask for COAs, and make sure the dispensary name appears on Missouri’s approved list. It’s the simplest way to protect yourself and ensure your purchase is legit.
At NatureMed, all of our products are state-tested and fully compliant with Missouri’s cannabis regulations. Browse our online menu to see what’s available near you and check out our daily deals to save on trusted, lab-tested products you can feel good about.
