On Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed a measure that would have significantly restricted the production and sale of hemp-based products that induce euphoria.
The bill (SB 1698) was passed by lawmakers in March, with supporters contending that it would resolve safety concerns in light of the increased use of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol.
The law would have prohibited the sale of products that contain delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol and restricted the quantity of delta-9 THC.
BREAKING: Florida @GovRonDeSantis just vetoed the hemp bill.
Attached his veto message to the Senate. @CBSMiami #hemp #marjuana pic.twitter.com/T8mcwluhJg— Jim DeFede (@DeFede) June 7, 2024
Delta-8 and delta-9 are cannabinoids found in hemp that have the potential to induce euphoria.
The bill was vehemently opposed by hemp cultivators and businesses that sell and manufacture hemp-derived products, who argued that it would effectively shutter the industry, cost the state thousands of jobs, and result in millions of dollars in lost revenue.
However, the bill was unanimously authorized by the Senate, and it was passed by the House in the final days of this year’s legislative session with a 64-48 vote.
DeSantis’ veto letter encouraged legislators to reevaluate the matter during the 2025 legislative session.
The veto letter provided a blueprint for a revised measure, recommending that lawmakers concentrate on quality control, retail sales and labeling, marketing, and packaging.
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