After being unanimously approved by the Florida Legislature a hemp regulation bill has been sent to Governor Ron DeSantis for consideration.
Senate Bill 1676 was passed by the Senate in April by a vote of 39 to 0, and it was approved by the House of Representatives the following month 119 to 0. Yesterday the measure was signed by chamber officers and officially presented to Governor DeSantis. Although DeSantis has the option of vetoing the bill, it was clearly passed with well more than the 2/3rds support required to override a veto.
The legislation explicitly clarifies by law that hemp extract is considered a food product subject to certain requirements and regulations. For example, hemp extract containers would be required to include a batch number, a barcode, a certificate of analysis from an independent laboratory, an Internet address with more information about the product and an expiration date.
According to proponents of the bill it aims to ensure that all hemp products sold in Florida are safe for human consumption and free from contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and bacteria. Hemp retailers in the state will be required to obtain a license from The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The term hemp extract as defined by the measure is any substance or compound derived from or containing hemp (that does not contain any other controlled substances), that contains no more than 0.3mg THC and is intended for ingestion or inhalation. Hemp extract could only be sold if it receives a certificate of analysis prepared by an independent testing laboratory.
SB 1676 will take effect on July 1.
