Smoke shops and dispensaries are celebrating April 20th, or 4-20, as an unofficial "marijuana day." But, some businesses said it's hard to take part without considering pending laws that could impact their sales.
The Hemp Spot just opened their third location in St. Pete Beach and thought 4-20 would be the best day to celebrate their opening. One concern in the back of their minds is Florida senate bill 1698, which would ban many products in their stores.
“You know a lot of people are coming in with things like anxiety, or pain relief,” Darrell Miller, owner of The Hemp Spot, said.
They chose 4-20 to celebrate opening their new spot, but they said potential laws are putting a damper on their party.
“Remember when we approved industrial hemp in 2019? Those of you that we're here remember very clearly, we were sold a bill of goods that this would industrially uses, but when we approved it, we inadvertently permitted the sale of a recreational drug. The sale and use of THC,” Rep. Tommy Gregory said.
“Veterans suffering from PTSD, individuals with epilepsy, individuals who are fighting cancer and have testified about the difference this has made. We are hurting Floridians from all walks of life,” Rep. Robin Bartleman said.
Senate bill 1698 would ban Delta-8 products which includes gummies, vapes, and limits THC levels in products.
“They make it to where the dosage has to be so small and it can only have so much in the package to where it cancels out pretty much 95 percent of the products that we're able to sell,” Miller said.
This bill is sitting on the governor's desk to sign or veto.
“Being a business owner alone has its own stresses and things you have to worry about. It's going to put us out of business if it goes through," Miller said.
Another issue Miller is focused on is Amendment 3 on the ballot in November. It would allow the sale and possession of recreational marijuana for people 21 and older, but only in medical marijuana centers.
To pass, 60 percent of Florida voters would have to vote "yes" for Amendment 3.