Florida lawmakers seek to ban delta-8 cannabinoids

Florida lawmakers are pushing a bill to reform the state's hemp market, nearly a year after Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed a similar proposal. The bill was discussed in a Senate committee on Monday, though no related legislation has been introduced in the House yet. The new proposal, known as SB 438, includes some familiar ideas from last year's vetoed bill, as well as some changes. DeSantis previously rejected the legislation, claiming it would burden small businesses. However, the bill's sponsor emphasized the need to address health and safety concerns related to hemp products. A major part of the bill is a ban on delta-8, a cannabinoid found in hemp that can have psychoactive effects, though it is considered less potent than delta-9 THC. The bill would change how hemp extracts are defined, prohibiting them from containing any synthetic cannabinoids. It would also limit legal hemp products to low levels of delta-9 THC. Additionally, the bill requires that canned beverages containing THC can only be sold at shops with alcohol licenses. It would also limit THC strength in these drinks and prohibit mixing THC with alcohol. Some business owners, like the Smiths who run a non-alcoholic shop, argue that the licensing requirement is unreasonable. Should the bill pass, stores selling hemp will face strict location restrictions and advertising limitations. For instance, hemp shops could not operate within 500 feet of schools or gas stations. The proposal also aims to keep hemp products out of public view and restrict the use of certain advertising terms. Furthermore, the bill mandates that hemp products be tested in the same labs used for medical marijuana. This includes random testing of products sold in stores. If any product fails these tests, it would need to be recalled. The goal is to ensure that hemp products are safe and compliant with regulations.