Michelle Salzman says hemp regulation is dead — but it needs to be revived, like right now

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On Wednesday morning, with more than two full days still on the calendar for this year’s Legislative Session, Republican Rep. Michelle Salzman called time of death on this year’s hemp regulation package.

“We will not be focused on this legislation as we wrap up the 2025 Session,” Salzman told Florida Politics.

That came after Republican Sen. Colleen Burton on Tuesday said she remained hopeful that the two chambers — whose versions of the regulatory framework still differ — could agree on a final package to bring across the finish line in the waning hours and days of Session.

So, what’s the problem for Salzman? She didn’t say, exactly. It can’t possibly be that she just wants to leave products potentially harmful to children to remain unregulated, continuing what supporters of regulatory language have called a “wild, wild west” of a market.

Now is not the time to let another year of unregulated products continue to endanger kids and mislead consumers.

As it stands, in addition to imposing caps on THC in hemp products, such as beverages, both the House and Senate versions of the regulatory framework would bar products from using packaging that would appeal to kids.

Both bills include language that would treat hemp-infused beverage sales similar to alcohol, however, the Senate version is closer to the beverage law regulations. The Senate bill would limit sales in places that already sell liquor, while the House bill would allow other establishments to sell THC. That’s a big win on making these adult products less accessible to kids who have no business drinking them.

And the industry wants it.

“We appreciate the efforts of Rep. Salzman and Sen, Burton to bring oversight to these intoxicating products. Florida already has a proven regulatory framework for intoxicating beverages, and we believe aligning with this system is the most effective way to address public safety concerns,” said Florida Beer Wholesalers Association President Jared Ross.

Burton likes the provision, too, signaling support for a meaningful compromise on one of the few remaining differences.

And indeed, as Burton said on Monday, the two bills really aren’t that far apart.

Each has similar language on requirements for packaging, testing and product inspections. Where they differ should be easy fixes.

On sales at gatherings, the House focused on festivals and fairs, while the Senate package instead contemplated trade shows, something hemp critics have said is just an opportunity for unregulated, illegal vendors to peddle their unscrupulous products. How hard could it be to iron that out? Include both, maybe. Come on guys, we’re not negotiating world peace here.

And both bills agree broadly on THC caps, with the only substantive difference being in how the caps are calculated. The House package would calculate content in grams, a measure not often used for liquids, edibles or inhalants that could cause some confusion. We’re going to risk another year of no regulation over a measurement squabble?

Even industry professionals are hoping that something, anything, can be hashed out. ABC Fine Wine & Spirits lobbyist Scott Dick was one of the ones who tossed out the “wild, wild west” language about the current lack of regulation.

Regulation is clearly wanted — hemp retailers need credibility and fairness. And regulation already passed last year. It got vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, who enumerated his methodology for busting out the red pen. His issues have been resolved, and they largely centered on ensuring businesses didn’t suffer. 

We all know that business craves certainty. Regulation provides that. So by sitting on your hands, what you’re really telling the businesses you’ve been seeking to support is: tough bananas.

And what about excise tax dollars? Y’all are literally leaving low-hanging fruit revenue just sitting on the table.

Lawmaking isn’t a spectator sport. Get on the field and get this sh*t done.