Why a Columbia baker who uses delta-8 in products isn't fazed by recent health advisory

Charles Dunlap, Columbia Daily Tribune
·3 min read
Highbread Bakery and Treats owner McPeak stands at their station in the CoMo Cooks shared kitchen on the business loop in Columbia. Products made by McPeak contain Delta-8, a hemp-based cannabinoid on which the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services recently issued an advisory. McPeak says Highbread's business practices already follow certain safety rules prior to the advisory's issuance.

Late last month the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services issued an advisory regarding delta-8, a hemp-based cannabinoid, along with delta-10 THC and THC-P. One local baker who uses delta-8 in the products they sell does not anticipate an impact to their business or how it operates.

McPeak started Highbread Bakery and Treats first from their home and then from the CoMo Cooks shared kitchen space from The Loop Community Improvement District. Unlike other products that may be mass produced, McPeak makes their Delta-8- or CBD-infused baked goods in small batches.

"The items the state is proposing we are already doing. We wanted to be honest with our customers, have a safe place to ask questions, and have our website to always refer to with additional questions," McPeak wrote in a message to the Tribune.

The DHSS health advisory notes that delta-8 and other hemp-based derivatives have similar psychoactive properties to delta-9 THC found in marijuana and that consumption can result in impairment and adverse health effects, including unintended intoxication.

Highbread Bakery and Treats owner McPeak chops up strawberries for a newly developed recipe of a marijuana infused sorbet using Delta-8. McPeak works with both CBD and Delta-8 in the bakery products.
Highbread Bakery and Treats owner McPeak chops up strawberries for a newly developed recipe of a marijuana infused sorbet using Delta-8. McPeak works with both CBD and Delta-8 in the bakery products.

McPeak, once a week's menu is determined, provides product strength information and also generally advises a less-is-more approach to their products. In other words, cut off a small piece from a cookie or cereal bar or one of the other baked goods or snacks, consume and wait 30 to 45 minutes to see how you feel.

Because delta-8 and other hemp-based cannabinoids currently are unregulated, DHSS also is concerned about the ease of access for a number of products.

“It is highly concerning how accessible these products are to the public, especially our youth,” said Paula F. Nickelson, director of DHSS, in the press release. “There is no way for consumers to know exactly what is in the product they are consuming and just how intoxicating it may be.”

Again, McPeak lists product strength online and also limits sales to those who are 21 and older.

"Our ingredients have always been listed, and we chose for our customers to be 21 (years old) and up. Safety is also important to us," McPeak wrote, adding they work closely with Boone County Public Health and Human Services on food safety.

Highbread Bakery and Treats owner McPeak unwraps a tray of cereal bars for packaging. The treats are infused with Delta-8, a cannabis derivative.
Highbread Bakery and Treats owner McPeak unwraps a tray of cereal bars for packaging. The treats are infused with Delta-8, a cannabis derivative.

Legislators want to regulate hemp-derived cannabinoids

Missouri lawmakers are looking at ways to regulate hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8 THC. Most recently, Sen. Nick Schroer sponsored legislation that would allow DHSS to regulate those cannabinoids. Rep. Chad Perkins, R-Bowling Green, carries similar legislation in the House.

“There's zero reason why these THC products should not be treated like any other THC product in our state,” Schroer said. “Similar to alcohol, one regulatory body covers all intoxicating liquors and alcohol, such as beer, bourbon, wine, moonshine, brandy and even hooch.”

More: Highbread Bakery and Treats puts the 'baked' into cannabis-infused baked goods

Attorney General Andrew Bailey also has expressed concerns over the lack of regulation around hemp-derived cannabinoids and has recently launched a consumer protection investigation due to the products' potential to harm children.

Delta-8 gummies can easily be mistaken for candy, especially by children
Delta-8 gummies can easily be mistaken for candy, especially by children

"When purchasing products, Missourians have a right to know if they will be subject to serious and potentially dangerous side effects like psychotic episodes, severe confusion, hallucinations and other life-threatening problems. This is especially important when potentially dangerous products appear to be marketed directly at children," Bailey said in a press release. "As Attorney General, I will use every tool at my disposal to halt the sale of dangerous, illicit products that harm Missouri consumers, especially children.”

More: DHSS: Missourians should avoid hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8 THC

Susan Szuch of the Springfield News-Leader contributed to this report.

Charles Dunlap covers local government, community stories and other general subjects for the Tribune. You can reach him at cdunlap@columbiatribune.com or @CD_CDT on Twitter. Subscribe to support vital local journalism.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Columbia's Highbread Bakery plans no changes after delta-8 advisory