Florida Lawmakers Consider Revisiting THC Limits in Hemp Products in 2024

LOS ANGELES — Florida’s hemp industry, which was previously alarmed by a proposal to set limits on THC in hemp-derived products, may need to brace itself again. Lawmakers behind the shelved proposal indicated Wednesday they might reconsider the limits in the 2024 legislative session.

Sen. Colleen Burton and Rep. Will Robinson, both Republicans, had hoped that a revision of the federal Farm Bill this summer would alter the definition related to hemp. However, given the current congressional gridlock on the legislation, both lawmakers suggest they might spearhead state-level changes to address their concerns.

Introduced in 2018, the U.S. Farm Bill legalized hemp nationwide, leading to the popularization of cannabinoids like Delta-8, which offers a milder, more relaxed sensation compared to traditional cannabis. Sold widely in smoke and CBD stores throughout Florida, Delta-8 has faced regulation or outright prohibition by nearly half of all U.S. states since its introduction.

The 2023 proposal by Burton and Robinson sought to restrict THC levels in hemp products to ensure consumer safety, particularly among Florida’s youth. Initial drafts of the bill would have set limits at 5 milligrams of THC per serving or 50 milligrams per package. However, following opposition from the hemp industry and everyday consumers, the THC provisions were dropped. Robinson indicated that time constraints and broader agreement on other parts of the bill led to the change.

The recent roundtable discussion at Tampa General Hospital, which included Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, underscored the state’s resolve to protect minors from high-potency hemp products. New rules are in the works to tackle attractive packaging aimed at children, and the sale of such products to those below 21 years is prohibited.

Commissioner Simpson highlighted recent enforcement efforts, noting the removal of over 80,000 packages from shops since July 1. The Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services is progressing with new packaging and labeling regulations for hemp products, which are expected in the coming months.

Dr. Justin Arnold of the Florida Poison Information Center in Tampa brought to light the severity of the situation. He revealed that 933 children were exposed to high-potency THC products in 2022, with almost half of these cases resulting in hospitalizations.

The upcoming months will be crucial for Florida’s hemp industry as lawmakers weigh the benefits of hemp-derived products against potential health risks.