Florida Gov. Signs Bill Updating Hemp Consumable Regulations

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) on Tuesday signed a bill requiring the testing of hemp-derived consumables. The measure was pared down from previous versions that would have imposed limits of 0.5 milligrams of THC per dose and 2 milligrams per container. 

The bill also defines what is considered “food” as it relates to hemp products and requires new labeling rules for the products. Under the law, “hemp extract is considered a food that requires time and temperature control for the safety and integrity of product.” 

Florida hemp food processors must also now obtain a permit from state regulators.  

The law also lays out new packaging rules for hemp-derived food products. Containers must be suitable to contain products for human consumption, composed of materials designed to minimize light exposure, mitigate exposure to high temperatures; not attractive to children, and compliant with the U. S. Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970.  

The measure also sets firm definitions of what types of hemp products are considered “attractive to children,” which includes “products in the shape of humans, cartoons, or animals; manufactured in a form that bears any reasonable resemblance to an existing candy product that is familiar to the public as a widely distributed, branded food product such that a product could be mistaken for the branded product, especially by children; or containing any color additives.”   

The law takes effect on July 1.