Tallahassee, Florida – Lawmakers in Florida are close to passing a bill that would ban the sale of delta-8 products, such as edible gummies, vapes, and joints, due to concerns about their psychoactive effects. The bill, which has already passed the state Senate unanimously, is now headed for a full vote in the House.
Delta-8 is a compound found in the cannabis plant, similar to the more well-known delta-9, which is the component of marijuana that creates a “high.” Delta-8 products, including gummies, tinctures, and vapes, are currently being sold in Florida, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expressed concerns about the safety of these products.
The FDA has noted that the natural amount of delta-8 in hemp is low, leading producers to use a chemical process to convert other cannabinoids into delta-8. This process raises concerns about potential contaminants in the products. In addition, there are worries that consumers seeking mild products like CBD may be confused or unprepared for the effects of delta-8.
In response to these concerns, the proposed bill seeks to exclude delta-8 and delta-10 from being categorized as hemp products and to impose limits on the strength of hemp products. It would also prohibit the addition of flavoring to hemp vapes to make them less appealing to children, and require the national poison control hotline number to be printed on the packaging of hemp products.
Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary consumer protection tool, citing an increase in calls to the poison control line related to hemp ingestion. However, business owners have criticized the proposed legislation, claiming that the restrictions are overly broad and could harm Florida’s hemp industry.
Ultimately, the debate over delta-8 in Florida reflects the larger tension between consumer access to cannabis products for medicinal purposes and concerns about potential health risks and regulatory control. As the bill moves to the House for consideration, the future of delta-8 products in Florida remains uncertain.