Florida’s hemp industry experienced a mix of relief and apprehension when proposed limits on THC content in hemp-derived products were dropped by lawmakers earlier this year. However, the sponsors of the legislation have hinted at revisiting these limits during the 2024 legislative session, stirring concerns within the hemp sector.
Colleen Burton, a Polk County Republican in the Senate, and Will Robinson, a Manatee County Republican in the House, shared their intentions during a roundtable discussion at Tampa General Hospital. They expressed their hopes for potential changes at the federal level through the reenactment of the Farm Bill, which could redefine hemp-related regulations. Unfortunately, this anticipation remains unfulfilled as Congress continues to navigate these complex matters.
The 2018 U.S. Farm Bill initially legalized hemp and ushered in hemp-derived cannabinoids like Delta-8 into the market. This compound, known for its psychoactive properties, has prompted various state legislatures across the country to either regulate or ban its use due to concerns about its effects.
During the 2023 legislative session, Robinson and Burton introduced a bill that sought to impose limits on THC content in hemp products. However, this proposal encountered strong resistance from the hemp industry and individuals who rely on these products for pain management. Ultimately, the THC limits provision was removed from the bill due to time constraints, but the possibility of revisiting the issue remains.
Commissioner Wilton Simpson emphasized the state’s commitment to preventing high-potency THC-hemp products from reaching children. Legislation has been enacted to prohibit the sale, marketing, and packaging of such products to individuals under 21. With over 80,000 packages already removed from circulation since July 1, the state is actively working to ensure the law’s enforcement.
Dr. Justin Arnold, Medical Director of the Florida Poison Information Center in Tampa, highlighted the rise in cases of exposure to high-potency THC products among children. This underscores the urgency for stringent regulations and safeguards.
The Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services is currently in the process of implementing new rules for the state hemp program, focusing on packaging and labeling requirements. As the hemp industry navigates these shifts in regulations and potential THC limits, Florida’s journey in balancing economic viability with public health concerns continues to unfold.
