Florida lawmakers have approved a wide-ranging bill that critics contend could destroy the state’s hemp market.
Senate Bill 1698 was approved by the House in a 64-48 vote, according to the Tampa Bay Times, and now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis to be signed into law.
The measure to ban hemp-derived products containing delta-8 and delta-10 THC was unanimously approved by the Senate in February.
The bill would ban a variety of delta-8 and delta-10 products, including:
- Gummies.
- Tinctures.
- Vapes.
It would also prohibit other cannabinoids such as THCV and THCP from being infused into hemp extracts and would cap intoxicating delta-9 THC products to 5 milligrams per serving or 50 milligrams per package, the newspaper reported.
Hemp-derived low-dose THC advocates and business operators have criticized the legislation for potentially dismantling the industry while propping up the medical marijuana sector.
Florida voters could decide on adult-use legalization in November.
But that potential vote is awaiting a state Supreme Court ruling on a challenge to the ballot initiative.
At least 18 states prohibit delta-8 under certain circumstances, according to MJBizDaily research.
