FLORIDA, USA — Governor Ron DeSantis has vetoed a bill that would ban delta-8 and restrict other hemp-derived products in Florida.
The bill made its way to the governor's desk Friday, months after passing the legislature. In a Senate transmittal letter, DeSantis said while the bill's goals are commendable, it would "impose debilitating regulatory burdens" on small businesses in Florida.
"Senate Bill 1698 would introduce dramatic disruption and harm to many small retail and manufacturing businesses in Florida - businesses that have emerged due to recent legislation paving the way for the commercial use of hemp."
In the letter, Gov. DeSantis also stated legislators should consider the following when resuming work on the bill during the next legislative session:
Quality Control
DeSantis said the bill should "set standards for cultivation, processing and handling of hemp products" to ensure that those products are safe, potent and pure.
Labeling, Marketing and Packaging
The governor added that legislators should develop guidelines for accurate labeling, including health claims and dosing instructions. Packaging should also, according to DeSantis, be child-resistant.
Retail Sales
DeSantis said legislators should also ensure hemp products are sold behind the counter and that shops should operate "outside sufficient proximities from schools, religious institutions and other areas where children and families regularly gather."
This veto comes after hemp advocates in Florida were calling on the governor to make that decision, fearing its impact on small businesses.
"Small businesses are the cornerstone of Florida's economy," DeSantis said in the letter.
The governor ended his letter by encouraging the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to continue rooting out products that violate state law.