Florida House of Representatives Establishes Combined Workgroup on Hemp Regulation
The Florida House of Representatives has announced the formation of a Combined Workgroup on Hemp, as detailed in a memorandum from Speaker Daniel Perez, dated February 26, 2025. This workgroup aims to provide legislative members with the tools and information necessary to navigate the complexities of hemp regulation—a topic that has sparked significant discussion and advocacy from various stakeholders.
What Is the Purpose of This Workgroup?
Hemp regulation has been a recurring topic of conversation among lawmakers, advocacy groups, and industry leaders. The Speaker’s memo highlights that hemp-related legislation is often highly lobbied and complex, making it challenging for legislators without direct experience in the field to fully grasp the nuances of the issue.
To address this, the workgroup will:
✅ Examine upcoming hemp-related bills filed during the legislative session.
✅ Facilitate discussions among lawmakers, industry representatives, and advocacy groups.
✅ Help legislators understand both sides of the debate surrounding hemp regulation.
The workgroup will include 24 members, equally divided between the Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee and the Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee. Representative Michelle Salzman has been appointed as the Combined Workgroup Manager.
The group is scheduled to convene for seven days, beginning on March 3, 2025.
What This Means for Florida’s Hemp Industry
The hemp industry in Florida has grown significantly in recent years, contributing to the state’s economy and providing new opportunities for farmers, business owners, and consumers. However, regulatory uncertainty and evolving laws continue to impact the industry.
With multiple hemp-related bills expected to be introduced this session, this workgroup could influence how the state regulates hemp production, sales, and consumer access. The decisions made here may shape the future of CBD products, industrial hemp farming, and other hemp-derived goods in Florida.
Your Thoughts Matter!
The American Healthy Alternatives Association (AHAA) and the Florida Healthy Alternatives Association (FLHAA) are closely monitoring this development. We currently do not have an official stance on this workgroup, but we encourage public discussion and industry input.
📢 What do you think about the establishment of this workgroup?
- Is this a positive step for the hemp industry in Florida?
- Do you have concerns about how hemp regulation is being handled?
- What do you hope this workgroup will accomplish?
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below and let us know how you feel about this initiative.
Additionally, stay tuned—AHAA and FLHAA will be sending out a newsletter soon with insights from our leadership team on this issue. If you aren’t already subscribed, make sure to sign up to receive the latest updates on hemp regulation in Florida.