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Local liquor stores like Gomer's Fine Wine and Spirits are racing to unload THC gummies and other intoxicating hemp products before Missouri makes selling most of them a felony.

Why it matters: If you've been picking up THC gummies and similar products at the liquor store, that largely ends next month. Once his shelves empty, Gomer's manager Corey Spaulding says he won't restock them.

Catch up quick: The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp with low concentrations of delta-9 THC, helping create a market for intoxicating hemp-derived products sold outside licensed marijuana dispensaries.

• Missouri's House Bill 2641, signed in April, makes violations a class D felony punishable by a $5,000 fine per transaction, effective Nov. 12. A federal ban follows on Dec. 11.

Zoom in: Spaulding says suppliers aren't taking back unsold products, leaving the store to unload inventory before Missouri's new restrictions take effect.

• "That's going to be a whole aisle gone," he tells Axios. THC products account for about 9% of Gomer's monthly sales, he says. So he's offering his biggest THC customers closeout deals on their favorites while they last.
• Missouri DHSS specifically states that qualifying beverages aren't subject until Dec. 11. Boulevard says Berry Lane Quirk is hemp-derived. So the sentence lumps Quirk into the Nov. 12 consequence.

What they're saying: "It's really frustrating because the category hasn't failed. It's actually grown and helped build new customers," Spaulding says. He says the law punishes stores that were doing it right.

• Some customers use it for health reasons; Spaulding says one regular customer with terminal cancer told him the products help him sleep through the night.
• "Maybe a blanket ban isn't the best decision," he says, when lawmakers could have fixed the actual problem instead of "erasing something that is an asset to our residents."

Gomer's isn't alone: Royal Liquor told KSHB in 2024 that hemp products made up 10% to 15% of its sales.

The other side: Bill sponsor Rep. Dave Hinman (R-O'Fallon) says the law keeps these products away from kids and gave stores time to sell down.

• "There shouldn't be any confusion as to why," he tells Axios. "The federal government is outlawing the product. It's the right thing to do."

What's next

Country artist and former "The Voice" contestant Casi Joy has a new gig since moving back home from Nashville to Kansas City: podcast host.

Why it matters: Joy is bringing together familiar names from sports, comedy and music on the show "Kustom Conversations."

Zoom in: Joy's first two episodes are with KC-native comedian Chris Porter, who discusses "sweat"-flavored barbecue, and former Chiefs defensive end Neil Smith, who talks about the hardest part of leaving KC for the Broncos.

• New episodes drop every week. The most recent release is with Chiefs Hall of Fame running back Christian Okoye.

What they're saying: "I've always worn a ton of different hats," Joy says about adding podcasting to songwriting, recording and touring. "Say yes, panic later."

• Joy says podcasting initially scared her because, unlike singing, she can't control where the conversation goes.
• Talking with Chiefs players made her starstruck: "I was like, 'Keep it together. You know how to talk. You talk real good.'"

Fun fact: Joy says you can hear her new baby in the background of Smith's episode. The baby has even attended Mom's shows wearing "little gigantic baby headphones."

Context: The podcast is by Olathe-based Kustom Entertainment, a ticketing and production company that puts on the Country Stampede music festival, where Joy has performed the past three years. Company operations VP Matt Tholen calls her a "longtime friend."

• The podcast is part of the company's expanding portfolio, with plans to host 20 live events next year and to acquire Tickets For Less for $112 million.

Learn more

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🚝 KC voters will decide in April whether to approve a sales tax to support a proposed KCI-to-zoo monorail and other transportation projects. (KSHB)

🏥 The University of Kansas Health System and NKC Health are the only KC-area hospitals that deduct unpaid medical bills from patients' paychecks, an investigation found. The two have sued more than 400 patients this year. (KCUR)

To no one's surprise, the goldendoodle is Kansas City's favorite dog, but the breed growing fastest in popularity here is one you've probably never heard of.

Why it matters: The Labahoula, a Labrador Retriever and Catahoula Leopard Dog mix, is an energetic, athletic breed, and it's catching on in a city that ranks 82nd out of 100 for fitness and 83rd out of 107 for walkability.

Zoom in: The Catahoula is a working breed built for agility and endurance, and Rover calls the mix energetic and athletic, so plan on plenty of exercise if you bring one home.

• Rover points to KC's dog-friendly parks, trails and walking paths as a fit for the breed.

Yes, but: KC isn't an easy place to walk any dog, and its people aren't walking much either. The city's Walk Score of around 35 out of 100 puts it in the car-dependent range, where most errands require a car.

• About a third of KC residents say they never exercise in their free time, including walking.

The fine print: Trending breeds are those that have grown the most on Rover since last year, with at least 10 new dogs added in 2026.

Seen a Labahoula around KC? Reply with a photo! Honestly, send us any dog. We love them all and may share a few in a future newsletter.

🤬 Abbey is fuming over this season of The Traitors.

👋🏼 Travis is off.

Edited by Delano Massey, who earned a beverage.