Florida
Impending Federal Hemp Ban Poses Challenges for Florida and Pensacola Businesses
On Saturday, St. Petersburg retailer Herban Flow hosted its third High and Dry Festival, which featured dozens of brands showcasing THC-infused drinks, plus adaptogens, nootropics, and alcohol-free libations. Herban Flow owner Michael Smith says that about 80% of sales from…
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Key points
- A federal ban on hemp-derived products effective November 12 threatens local businesses in Pensacola and surrounding areas.
- Local farmers are hesitant to plant hemp due to uncertainties about the upcoming legislation.
- Economic repercussions of the ban could significantly affect the livelihoods of local retailers and agricultural entrepreneurs.
NewsWK — As the clock ticks down to a federal ban on hemp-derived products set to take effect on November 12, local businesses in Pensacola and the surrounding areas are feeling the impact. Retailers such as Herban Flow in St. Petersburg, which specializes in hemp-derived THC products, are expressing concern that this legislation could jeopardize their livelihoods.
Michael Smith, the owner of Herban Flow, reports that a significant portion of his sales—around 80%—comes from hemp products. He stated, “It’s amazing how many people still don’t know about it. So many people are now just discovering it and they don’t believe me when I tell them in three months that all of this is going away.” This sentiment is echoed by local farmers like Jammie Treadwell of Treadwell Farms, who has noted a decline in business as farmers hesitate to plant hemp due to uncertainties surrounding the upcoming ban.
The federal ban, which aims to redefine legal hemp to include a total THC standard rather than just Delta-9 THC, could potentially make 95% of existing hemp-derived products illegal, according to industry experts. This change has already led farmers to reconsider their planting decisions for the upcoming season. Treadwell remarked, “Farmers are not putting plants in this season because if they harvest them in September or October, and then they find that the product becomes illegal in November, that’s a problem.”
While the ban is set to restrict primarily intoxicating and synthetic cannabinoid products, it also threatens to eliminate full-spectrum CBD products, which many consumers use as alternatives to traditional painkillers. The economic ripple effect of this ban is significant for local entrepreneurs and retailers, with many questioning whether they should continue operations under such uncertain conditions.
Former President Donald Trump has voiced his opposition to the ban, urging Congress to ensure that consumers can continue to access full-spectrum CBD products. He posted on his social media platform, urging swift legislative action to protect both consumers and farmers. As local businesses brace for the potential fallout, the economic landscape for hemp in the Florida Panhandle hangs in the balance.
In light of these developments, local officials and agricultural leaders in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties are urged to monitor the situation closely. Addressing the needs of local farmers and businesses could help mitigate the adverse effects of this federal legislation, as many in the community depend on the hemp industry for their livelihoods.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting by Mitch Perry originally published by Florida Phoenix. Read the original story.
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