Florida Hemp Businesses Face Uncertainty as Federal THC Ban Looms, Trump Calls for Congressional Action

Florida's booming hemp industry is bracing for a major shakeup as a federal ban on most hemp-derived THC and CBD products is set to take effect on November 12. Retailers like Herban Flow in St. Petersburg, which relies on hemp products for 80% of sales, are warning customers about the possible disappearance of popular THC-infused drinks and edibles. Owner Michael Smith expressed concern, saying, “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.”

The looming ban stems from a congressional spending bill passed last November, which redefined legal hemp using a 'total THC standard' and capped THC content at 0.4 mg per container. According to the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, this would render 95 percent of hemp-derived products currently on shelves federally illegal. The uncertainty has already impacted Florida's farmers, with many hesitating to plant new crops or renew licenses. Jammie Treadwell, CEO of Treadwell Farms, noted, “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.”

Industry leaders argue the ban could wipe out not only intoxicating and synthetic cannabinoids but also full-spectrum non-intoxicating CBD products that many consumers rely on for pain relief and wellness. President Donald Trump has called on Congress to act, posting on Truth Social, “I am calling on Congress to update the Law to ensure that Americans can continue to access the full-spectrum CBD products they have come to rely on, and that help them, while preserving Congress’s intent to restrict the sale of products that pose Health risks.”

Meanwhile, some in the Florida hemp sector believe the industry is too robust to be fully dismantled. David Shiffman, CEO of Amigos and Tillman Tranquils, said, “Trying to build a business by the book and then having the rug pulled out by new legislation is a scary thing for any business, especially a small business here in Florida for us and for our employees.” He added, “The consumer demand is there. The infrastructure is in place. I don’t think that it’s going anywhere. It’s a matter of when and how we get regulated.”

Florida's regulatory landscape has been turbulent, with previous attempts to restrict intoxicating hemp products vetoed by Governor Ron DeSantis, citing the potential harm to small businesses. The state legislature has since formed a workgroup to address hemp regulation, but significant differences remain unresolved. As more than a dozen states have already imposed strict limits or outright bans on hemp-derived intoxicants, Florida hemp entrepreneurs are watching Washington closely, hoping for a last-minute reprieve or a more balanced regulatory approach

OG Lab notes that the outcome of these federal and state debates will shape the future of Florida's hemp market and could set a precedent for other states. With livelihoods and consumer choice at stake, the coming months will be pivotal for the industry and its customers