Florida HB 1475/SB 1676 is a bill that was introduced in the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate in 2023. The bill would have legalized the production and sale of hemp in Florida.
The bill was sponsored by Representative Randy Fine and Senator Jeff Brandes. Fine is a Republican from Palm Beach County and Brandes is a Republican from St. Petersburg. Both Fine and Brandes are strong supporters of hemp legalization.
The bill was ultimately passed by the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate. The bill was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 4, 2023. The law will go into effect on July 1, 2023.
The legalization of hemp in Florida is a victory for hemp advocates in the state. It is a step in the right direction, and it will create jobs and boost the economy in Florida.
Here are some of the key provisions of Florida HB 1475/SB 1676:
- Defines hemp as a cannabis plant with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of no more than 0.3%.
- Allows for the production and sale of hemp products, including hemp-derived CBD oil.
- Requires hemp producers to obtain a license from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
- Establishes a Hemp Advisory Council to advise the governor and the legislature on hemp policy.
The legalization of hemp in Florida is a positive development for the state. It will create jobs and boost the economy. It will also provide consumers with access to safe and effective hemp products.
Benefits of hemp legalization
The legalization of hemp has a number of benefits, including:
- Economic benefits: Hemp can be used to produce a variety of products, including clothing, food, and building materials. The legalization of hemp will create jobs in the hemp industry and boost the economy.
- Environmental benefits: Hemp is a sustainable crop that can be grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides. The legalization of hemp will help to reduce pollution and protect the environment.
- Health benefits: Hemp-derived CBD oil has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of medical conditions, including pain, anxiety, and seizures. The legalization of hemp will make it easier for consumers to access safe and effective hemp products.
Opposition to hemp legalization
There is some opposition to the legalization of hemp, primarily from the pharmaceutical industry. The pharmaceutical industry is concerned that the legalization of hemp will lead to a decline in the use of prescription drugs.
However, the evidence shows that hemp is a safe and effective alternative to prescription drugs. Hemp-derived CBD oil is non-toxic and has no known side effects. Additionally, hemp is a natural product that does not contain any synthetic chemicals.
The legalization of hemp is a positive development for Florida. It will create jobs, boost the economy, and provide consumers with access to safe and effective hemp products. These products allow the benefits of nature to be realized in many forms, all around us... A STONED EARTH