hemp

Gov. Ron DeSantis said the measure, proposed to limit the production and sale of euphoria-producing hemp, would impose debilitating regulatory burdens on small businesses and "fail to achieve its purposes."

The bill would ban the sale of products containing what is known as delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol and limit the amount of delta-9 THC. Delta-8 and delta-9 are cannabinoids in hemp that can get people high.

Derived from hemp, it has similar effects to delta-9 THC, the main intoxicant in marijuana. It's fueling a rise in calls to poison control.

A measure aimed at outlawing intoxicating hemp-based products is ready to go to Gov. Ron DeSantis after the House and Senate passed it Wednesday.

The products, which can have similar hallucinogenic effects to traditional marijuana, have been the focus of regulation by the state in recent years.

A loophole in the farm bill allows for the sale of hemp products that include a form of THC. North Carolina is one state where stores selling intoxicating hemp products have popped up.

The bill implements child safety rules that include punishments for “mislabeling” or creating packages that are “attractive to children,” or anyone under 21.

A hemp regulation bill advanced through the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee after removing a cap on THC potency levels. An advocate for hemp businesses explains why the changes are important to the industry.

The proposal would put stricter rules on the distribution and retail sale of hemp extract to curb access to some of the euphoric-inducing strains of the products by minors.

Tyler Griffin was motivated to start the business as his father's rheumatoid arthritis caused debilitating pain: "When your dad is sick, you’ll go to all the lengths.”