DeSantis To Decide On GOP-Led Bill To Restrict THC Content & Ban Delta-8, Possibly Jeoparding Hemp Industry

Florida lawmakers approved a measure imposing restrictions on the THC content in hemp extracts sold statewide. While the Senate unanimously voted to approve the bill from Sen. Collen Burton (R) on Wednesday, the House passed it in a 64 to 48 vote.

The legislation allows for the amount of delta-9 THC in hemp extract to be 5mg per serving, or up to 50mg per container. This is notably more than the 2mg/10mg limits initially proposed.

Under SB 1698, the sale of delta-8 products is also forbidden, as the legislation defines hemp extract as a substance or compound that does not contain synthetic or naturally occurring substances like delta-8 THC, delta-10-THC, HHC, THC-O acetate and more. 

Delta-8 THC is a chemical component of the cannabis plant. Although delta-8 occurs naturally in very small concentrations, it can produce a mild psychoactive effect in some people similar to delta-9 THC.

New industrial methodologies enable delta-8 THC to be converted from CBD derived from hemp. Products developed as a result of the 2018 federal Farm Bill that legalized hemp are therefore not subject to the same testing requirements as cannabis, creating a legal loophole.

Per the data from the National Cannabis Industry Association, delta-8 THC is banned in 17 states and highly restricted in seven more.

See Also: Controversial Delta-8 THC Products Garner $2B In Sales Over 2 Years, So What’s The Problem?

How Will This Affect The Hemp Industry? 

While the amount of THC has been revised from the original proposal, many Representatives expressed concerns for their constituents and small business owners in their districts who would be negatively impacted by this law, writes Florida Politics' Peter Schorsch. 

According to the outlet, Florida's hemp industry contributed $10 billion to the state economy and could now be endangered by medical marijuana industry-backed measures. Upon the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, the hemp industry in Florida brought more than 104,000 jobs – mostly via small businesses. Under the bill awaiting Governor Ron DeSantis' signature, many of these jobs could be eliminated. 

Whether DeSantis will veto or sign this bill remains in question.

Meanwhile, several weeks ago, House members approved HB 1269 from Rep. Ralph Massullo (R), which aims to ban dispensary sales of adult-use flower containing more than 30% THC. The legislation would also enforce an upper limit of 60% THC on other cannabis products, while edibles would be required to have a serving size containing 10 milligrams of THC or below.

Speaking of Florida, the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is being held this year in a new venue in Hollywood, Florida on April 16 and 17, 2024. The two-day event at The Diplomat Beach Resort will be a chance for entrepreneurs, both large and small, to network, learn and grow. Renowned for its trendsetting abilities and influence on the future of cannabis, mark your calendars – this conference is the go-to event of the year for the cannabis world. Get your tickets now on bzcannabis.com – Prices will increase very soon!

Photo: Benzinga edit with images by Wikimedia Commons and Kindel Media on Pexels