DeSantis Vetoes Bill That Would Regulate Intoxicating Hemp In Lifeline To Industry As He Bashes Cannabis Legalization Amendment
Gov. Ron DeSantis, as expected, vetoed a bill that would have banned certain intoxicating hemp-derived products in Florida. If passed, the bill would have outlawed the sale of products containing delta-8 THC and limited the amount of delta-9 THC, both of which are unregulated and widely available, including to minors.
Hemp farmers and businesses that sell and manufacture hemp-derived products argued that, if passed, the bill would have effectively destroyed the industry and cost Florida thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in lost revenue.
“The bill would, in fact, impose debilitating regulatory burdens on small businesses and almost certainly fail to achieve its purposes,” DeSantis wrote in his veto letter. “Sensible, non-arbitrary regulation will provide businesses and consumers alike with much-needed stability — safeguarding public health and safety, allowing …