“The Florida Legislature has a clear plan to eliminate several hemp and CBD products that are beneficial, effectively ending Florida’s hemp business as we know it.”
By Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix
The Florida Legislature approved a bill that would regulate the hemp-derived products within the state, and eliminate delta-8-THC. This substance is currently banned in 17 States and severely restricted in another seven. It is still a very popular product sold in retail outlets and has been used by people for chronic illness.
The legislation was approved by both chambers on Wednesday.
The Florida Senate unanimously passed ( SB 1688), sponsored by Polk County Republican Colleen Burrell, 39-0. This vote was just hours after the House voted on it with a 64 to 48 vote.
The Legislature has been working on trying to regulate the THC content in hemp-derived goods for the past two year. THC is the primary component of cannabis which produces the “high” or psychoactive effect. The measure also prohibits the sale and distribution of delta-8, which has been one of the top-selling items in retail stores throughout the state for the last four years. It also prohibits business from owning hemp extract products deemed “attractive” by children.
The THC limit is set at 5 milligrams for each serving and 50 milligrams for each package. Burton and Tommy Gregory of Manatee County, the House sponsor, originally set the limit at 2 milligrams for each serving and 10 milligrams for the package. Gregory changed the limits this week, after receiving input from the hemp sector.
Many of the people who are involved in the Florida hemp industry say that these slightly higher THC caps will not be enough to sustain their economic vitality.
In the two previous legislative sessions, in Tallahassee professionals from the hemp industry, as well as individuals who claim to have benefited medically from products derived from hemp, have faithfully attended every meeting of the committees, urging the state legislators not to make any such changes.
Kassie Stuart, a Tallahassee resident, told legislators in January that she was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy at age 17 which can cause intense seizures. She claimed that she had tried everything before using delta-8 THC four years ago. She said that since she started using the product, she has gone from experiencing a few seizures per day to only one or two per year.
She said, “I used my medical marijuana card for a short time” at the meeting in January. It was helpful, but not the relief I needed. I was then introduced to delta-8 which really helped me. “I feel that if I am’spazzy,”seizey,’ or have a bad headache, all I need to do is hit my [vape] pens a few times or eat edibles and it will go away within a few minutes.”
If the bill is approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, has announced that delta-8 will become illegal in Florida as of October 1.
Delta-8 THC, according to the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), is prohibited in 17 states.
Health officials also spoke to lawmakers in committee meetings prior to the regular legislative session of 2024 about the children who have consumed such products despite the law from 2023, sometimes leading them to hospitalization.
Gregory addressed concerns raised by members of the House on Wednesday after they said that they received thousands of emails from constituents stating that, if the legislation passes, they would have to turn to drug dealers for pain relief.
He said, “That statement will answer the question of what these products are.” “They’re drugs. These are recreational drugs. If we tell you that you cannot buy them and are a drug addict, you may go to a dealer. You might stop using drugs and do the right thing.”
Hillary Cassel, a Democrat from Broward County, said the Legislature shouldn’t ignore the pleas of the public that they would be denied medical benefits if these products were banned.
She said, “It’s the people.” “It’s the mothers,” she said. The people with chronic diseases. Cancer. Lupus. “The list is endless as to how these products have changed their lives.”
But GOP Rep. Joel Rudman (a physician from the Panhandle) said it was crucial that the state regulate hemp-derived products, not ban them.
He said, “You can get Sushi in a gas station but I wouldn’t recommend that.”
The hemp industry was disappointed that the legislature approved the measure.
JJ Coombs is the CEO and co-founder of several Florida Hemp businesses. He said, “Today, the Florida Legislature ignored widespread opposition from Florida hemp industry, residents and consumers and instead voted for a ban on safe, legal products that many people seek to improve their life quality.” Passing a bill such as this could force customers to buy products on the unregulated market. The Florida Legislature has a long way to go before it eliminates several hemp and CBD products that are beneficial, effectively ending Florida’s hemp business as we know.
This article was originally published by Florida Phoenix.
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Photo by Brendan Cleak.
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