INDUSTRY UPDATES
February 20, 2024
URGENT – Red Alert in Florida – Florida Hemp Legislation Threatens Industry Survival – Take Action Now!
Last week, the Florida State Senate unanimously passed legislation that could deal a devastating blow to hemp farmers and small businesses statewide. We’re putting out an urgent call to Florida Hemp Supporters to use our State Action Center to ask their lawmakers to support fair regulations for hemp in the state. With a simple click of a button, lawmakers will hear your voice loud and clear.
Senate Bill 1698 and its House counterpart HB 1613 would impose a blanket ban on delta-8 THC and unnecessarily burdensome and restrictive serving and packaging limits on non-intoxicating full-spectrum CBD products. As detailed in this investigative piece by Florida Phoenix journalist, Mitch Perry, thousands of consumers who depend on hemp products for their health and wellness would be imperiled. Meanwhile, Florida’s hemp industry – and small retail businesses, many from disadvantaged communities — face an existential threat, with over 104,000 workers and $10 billion in annual sales at stake, as underscored by Whitney Economics’ analysis.
The influential “Sun Burn” Florida Politics blamed nefarious forces; monopolists using anti-competitive strategies to crush the hemp industry. By pulling the strings of lawmakers, they seek to consolidate their stranglehold on the cannabis market, leaving hemp farmers and businesses at their mercy.
But if we can make enough noise – and send enough clear messages to Florida lawmakers, we can make a difference. Please join us in urging your legislators to oppose these bills and replace them with the model found in Kentucky: Let’s provide appropriate safeguards for all hemp products to promote health, safety and transparency, and for products that have the potential to impair, provide strict regulation to ensure that they don’t get in the hands of children, including meaningful age-gating, child-proof packaging, and a crackdown on marketing to minors.
Call to Action:
- Take Immediate Action: If you live or own a business in Florida, use our State Action Center to send a letter to your state legislators voicing your opposition to SB 1698 and HB 1613. Every message sent is a vital step in safeguarding Florida’s hemp industry. Our technology makes it super easy. Once you input your zip code, the appropriate email will populate with your legislators’ office already identified and an editable message prepared.
- Spread the Word: Share this urgent alert with your network, amplifying awareness of the impending threat to Florida’s hemp sector.
- Monitor the Proceedings: Use this link to watch a crucial committee hearing today at 1 PM ET.
Together, we can fight to stop this damaging legislation!
Check out the latest hemp and CBD updates from across the states!
- Hemp Roundtable Hits the Hill: Stage Set for Hemp Policy Under the New AdministrationSenator Ron Wyden (D-OR) joins alongside members of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable On January 22nd, the U.S. Hemp Roundtable proudly hosted a successful Washington, D.C. fly-in, marking a pivotal moment …
- Claim Your 20% Discount for US Hemp Authority CertificationIt’s a brand new year, and it’s time to make a resolution for your hemp brand or business: Stand out in the marketplace through certification with the US Hemp Authority …
- Roundtable Roundup: Illinois Avoids a Hemp Ban, New Campaign Launched in IowaWe won the battle in Illinois – but the war is far from over. During the legislature’s lame duck session last week, HB 4293, an effort to ban most hemp products (discussed …
- House Agriculture Committee Leadership Set. Updates in Ohio, Illinois and HawaiiHouse Agriculture Committee Leadership Set: Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) Continues as Chairman, Congresswoman Angie Craig (D-MN) is Ranking Member The U.S. House Agriculture Committee has officially announced its new …
- Roundtable Roundup: Testimony in Ohio, Missouri Comments, Tennessee Final Rules, and Texas Ban Bill IncomingOhio Senate Debates Intoxicating Hemp Product Regulations This week, the Ohio Senate General Government Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 326, which proposes sweeping restrictions on hemp-derived products. If passed, …
- Watch Our General Counsel, Jonathan Miller, Testify Before the Ohio Senate TODAYWe’re excited to share that Jonathan Miller, General Counsel of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, will testify TODAY before the Ohio Senate General Government Committee against SB 326. Testimony starts at …