As Gov. Ron DeSantis fumes about a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow recreational cannabis, the hemp industry is trying to convince him to veto legislation that would restrict sales of euphoria-inducing hemp-derived products that can be purchased at CBD shops and gas stations.
Florida lawmakers passed the bill (SB 1698) in March, with supporters arguing it would address safety concerns as the use of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, has boomed.
The bill would ban the sale of products containing what is known as delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol and limit the amount of delta-9 THC. Delta-8 and delta-9 are cannabinoids in hemp that can get people high.
Hemp farmers and businesses vehemently objected to the bill, saying it would effectively shutter the industry and cost the state thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in lost revenue. The Florida Healthy Alternatives Association, which represents the hemp industry, enlisted the aid of some of the state's top lobbyists to try to block the bill.
Read more at health.wusf.usf.edu