By Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix
The Florida hemp industry has been to Tallahassee twice in the last two legislative sessions to protest a proposed limit on the amount THC in its products. They claim that such a policy change would be detrimental to their livelihoods.
The sponsor of this year’s version of the House proposal dismissed these concerns on Monday, saying that he did not believe a cap could have a significant financial impact.
Tommy Gregory of Manatee County, Republican, proposed the legislative measure ( HB 1613). It would limit THC content in hemp products to not more than 2 mg per serving, and 10 mg per container. The bill would redefine hemp in order to prohibit synthetic or naturally occurring versions such as Delta-8. THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis, is banned.
Michael Pool is the owner of Astrobleme in Tampa, a retailer for hemp. He stated that the milligram limit in the bill will not only make psychoactive products illegal but also many non-psychoactive ones.
He said that he had products in 80 stores throughout the state. Most of these stores sell my products for $2,000, $3,000, or $4,000 per month. It would be detrimental to me, not to mention to all the others.
Thad Altman of Brevard County GOP, who chairs the Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, heard the bill on Monday. He asked Gregory about the impact his bill would have on the state’s economy if it became law. Gregory replied that there would be none.
Gregory said that he did not concede that it would have a negative impact on the businesses or revenues derived from taxation based on these businesses. However, he did predict a reduction in state spending to “provide care for those who overdose because they are self-medicating with these products that require further regulation.”
Dianne Hart, a Democratic Representative from Hillsborough County, asked Gregory: “Do you think this could destroy an important industry in our State?”
Gregory answered, “No. I’m not worried at all.” “I don’t think it will have this impact.”
Incredulity
This comment was met with skepticism by those in the hemp business.
Tallulah is owned by Glen Sheppard, his wife and a number of smoke shops in the state.
Sheppard stated that it was “totally false” to claim that Florida would not experience any economic impact. It’s odd that someone can stand here and say something that is totally, obviously false.
The committee ultimately supported the proposal on a party-line basis.
Hillary Cassel, Broward County Democratic Rep., said that the legislation would be a disaster for Florida’s hemp industry if it made its way to Governor DeSantis. The hemp industry would be shut down in Florida if Ron DeSantis (R), the Republican governor, signed it.
She told those in the hemp business in the audience, “You’ll go to another state.” “We will find that our Floridians and consumers will be in a situation where they are buying [hemp-based products] on the black market or off the internet, and have no idea of what is contained within the product.”
The bill that was introduced last year had the same goal, but it removed the caps for THC products. Instead, the legislation focused on banning marketing to children, including packaging that looks like candy and could appeal to children. The bill this year expands the packaging and laboratory requirements for hemp extract sold or distributed in the state.
The Senate version ( SB1698)has passed both committees to which it was assigned and is now headed to the Senate floor to be voted on.
This article was originally published by Florida Phoenix.
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