DeSantis and Hemp officially join forces

HEMP VS. CANNABIS SAGA
DeSantis and Florida GOP to receive $5 million from hemp executives

What happened: Hemp executives pledged $5 million in donations to the Republican Party of Florida after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that would limit and regulate Florida’s hemp industry, according to WhatsApp messages gathered by CBS News Miami. 

What they’re saying: “He chose Hemp as his champion and now we've got to deliver,” an introductory post on the WhatsApp message group, “Save Florida Hemp,” said. 

“I don't know how you can be against recreational marijuana and be in support of hemp. It doesn't make sense, unless what you are really looking for is money from the hemp industry,” a supporter of the hemp bill told CBS. 

Back up: DeSantis, a Republican, vetoed a bill on June 7 that would have imposed strict regulations on the sale and production of hemp-derived products, specifically targeting delta-8 and delta-9 THC, reported CBS News. 

You can read his veto message to the Senate here.

DeSantis’ veto also came in the wake of a Fox News poll which revealed that two-thirds of Florida voters, including a majority of Republicans, support the Amendment 3 initiative on the November ballot. In fact, the measure was more popular (66% voter support) than Gov. Ron DeSantis himself (52% voter support).

Check out our June 3 newsletter or June 10 newsletter for more background. 

Why it matters: Many say DeSantis’s veto is contradictory since he is actively campaigning against November’s Amendment 3, which would legalize and regulate cannabis in Florida. Analysts estimate legal cannabis could generate $195.6 million to $431.3 million in new sales tax revenue annually if passed. 

DeSantis’ wish for the hemp industry to support his efforts against Amendment 3 in return for his veto came true, further pitting the hemp industry (which wants neither more regulation nor — presumably — cannabis legalization) against the cannabis industry.

The WhatsApp posts maintain the money would be used to help DeSantis challenge Amendment 3. 

And more: The GOP-led House Appropriations Committee approved a bill that aims to ban most hemp-derived cannabinoid products, including delta-8 THC and CBD with any THC, which sparked significant opposition from the hemp industry. 

-CB

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