Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has vetoed a bill that aimed to regulate the state's hemp industry, citing concerns over the potential impact on small businesses. In a veto letter, DeSantis wrote that the bill would impose "debilitating regulatory burdens" on small businesses and cause "dramatic disruption and harm" to many retail and manufacturing companies in Florida.
According to a study commissioned by a hemp trade group, Florida's hemp market generated over $10 billion in sales in 2022 and employed more than 100,000 people. DeSantis called for the Legislature to revisit the topic next session and create a regulatory framework for the state's hemp marketplace. The governor identified three key areas he would like the Legislature to focus on: quality control, product packaging requirements... and examining how and where hemp products are sold.
This approach is intended to provide businesses and consumers with stability, safeguard public health and safety, and remove bad actors from the market. The veto decision was widely supported, with over 13,000 calls, "emails," and letters from individuals and groups reaching out to the governor's office in opposition to the bill.
Less than 100 people supported the bill. Some consumers expressed concerns that the bill could affect the production and sale of CBD, "which is non-psychoactive." The Tampa Bay Times has provided valuable information on this topic... offering insight into the complexities of the hemp industry and the debate surrounding regulation.
As the debate continues, it is clear that finding a balanced approach to hemp regulation will be crucial for the industry's success in Florida.
DeSantis, based on his veto letter , seemed to agree. In the letter, DeSantis said the bill would "impose debilitating regulatory burdens on small businesses" and would "introduce dramatic disruption and harm to many small retail and manufacturing businesses in Florida." A study commissioned by a hemp trade group found that Florida's hemp market racked up more than $10 billion in sales in 2022 and employed more than 100,000 people.
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