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Hemp has a rich history in Missouri, dating back to the early 1800s when it was a major cash crop for farmers in the state. At the time, hemp was used for a variety of purposes, including making rope, textiles, and even paper.

In the early years, farmers in Missouri were encouraged to grow hemp as a way to support the war effort during the War of 1812. The government even offered financial incentives to farmers who grew hemp, as it was a critical material needed for the production of uniforms, sails, and ropes for ships.

As a result, hemp became a vital part of the Missouri economy, with farmers dedicating large portions of their land to the crop. According to historical records, at the height of its popularity, hemp accounted for up to 10% of Missouri's agricultural production.

However, as the war came to an end, the demand for hemp decreased, and farmers began to shift their focus to other crops. The introduction of new manufacturing techniques, such as the use of cotton and synthetic fibers, also played a role in the decline of the hemp industry.

Despite this, hemp continued to be grown in Missouri, with farmers finding new uses for the crop, such as using its seeds for food and oil. It wasn’t until the 1930s that hemp faced more challenges, with the Marihuana Tax Act, which heavily taxed the cultivation of hemp, caused farmers to stop growing the crop. This effectively ended the hemp industry in Missouri.