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.
“Do we want to have more marijuana in our communities? I don’t think it’ll work out well,” DeSantis said in April.
Sensible Regulation?
Critics argue that the lack of regulation and stringent testing of hemp products can and often does result in them containing dangerously high levels of THC or other harmful substances. They also warn that the widespread availability of hemp products, including at gas stations and convenience stores, poses risks to young people.
As DeSantis advocates for “sensible, non-arbitrary regulation” of intoxicating hemp-based products, he is simultaneously urging voters to reject the November ballot measure that proposes to establish similar regulations for recreational marijuana. In doing so, he is enabling the hemp industry to continue operating without these important regulations.
Why? Some view DeSantis' veto of the hemp regulation bill as part of his plan to garner financial backing from Florida's lucrative hemp industry, which he needs to defeat the November cannabis legalization ballot.
Machiavellian Move Or Double Standard?
Photo: Benzinga edit with images by Wikimedia Commons and Kindel Media on Pexels
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