Florida’s medical cannabis registry is growing, and will have approximately 14,000 additional patients by early 2025. The trend is likely to continue when lawmakers propose new hemp regulations that would target the key rival for the industry.
The Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use reported that the number of patients steadily increased from 895,000 at the beginning of January, to 909,000 in April. Florida Senators unanimously supported legislation that would restrict THC-derived hemp products. This is similar to a bill Governor. Ron DeSantis withdrew his veto last year in response to pressure by the hemp industry, but with some caveats.
The retailer said, “We are aware of retailers selling intoxicating products in Florida.” Florida Phoenix Colleen Burton is the Republican Senator who sponsored this bill. The products they sell are sending adults and kids to the hospital. “Sadly, these products are killing Floridians.”
According to the text of Senate Bill 448, Delta-8 hemp products would be banned outright, and Delta-9 hemp products limited to 5 mg per serving. THC-infused beverage sales would also be limited to businesses that have liquor licenses.
According to test results from Florida smoke shops, 50 out of 53 samples of hemp flowers exceeded the 0.3% federal limit. This makes them marijuana products that are not regulated.
Gayle harrell, a Republican Senator from Southeast Florida, stated that these products were very addictive. They’re addictive products, at the end. People need to be aware of this. … We need to make sure that people know what they’re buying. And we have seen so many fly-by-night places selling hemp – ‘safe hemp’ – and the THC levels are higher than the medical marijuana that you can get in a dispensary.”
Hemp products are a real threat to established cannabis businesses. According to Viridian Capital Advisors “It is not a secret that illicit THC sellers, as well as hemp intoxicants have hurt the THC market right where it counts.”
Viridian’s report noted that analysts project “flat revenues for the top 12 MSOs for 2025″ while the hemp industry continues to grow due to price and convenience advantages. Many consumers don’t really care if there is a certificate of analysis on each bottle or if the seed-to sale tracking can be tracked. “They will happily trade this for the convenience of buying at the gas station. Or, even better, by mail online, if they are cheaper,” stated the Viridian Report.
This shift has forced even the biggest players, like Curaleaf, to take a more conservative approach. The international cannabis giant is opening a dispensary for hemp in Florida. It will carry both its Select brand as well as hemp-derived THC products from other companies.
The Viridian Analysis noted that “the move is logical, as it coincides with Curaleaf launching the Hemp Company in 2024.”
The political animosity surrounding hemp regulations in Florida remains complex. DeSantis had vetoed similar regulations last year. A number of hemp-business owners contributed to DeSantis to help defeat Amendment 3 which would have allowed adults over 21 to use recreational cannabis.
Jacksonville Democratic Sen. Tracie Davi, who sponsored the bill and co-sponsored it, admitted during the debate on the floor that the legislation was not much different than the version vetoed by the president last year.
The Department of Agriculture will be responsible for enforcement if the bill is passed and signed by the House. $2 million would go to testing equipment, law enforcement, and the Department of Agriculture.
This bill raises deeper questions regarding cannabis regulatory frameworks. As Viridian put it, “If cannabis was medicine then it might be best to have it heavily regulated and tested by the FDA.” If cannabis was more like wine or spirit, but less harmful, then another set of policies would be appropriate.
This report states: “You could easily go into a liquor shop and buy enough Jack Daniels for five people. But nobody would question your right.” Why are there no limits on the amount or potency of marijuana, which is generally considered to be less harmful?