Florida’s cannabis industry is at a crossroads as the state prepares to vote on a referendum that would legalize recreational marijuana. The move has sparked a heated debate between the state’s medical marijuana and hemp industries, with some fearing that legalizing recreational marijuana would hurt their businesses.
Carlos Hermida, owner of Chillum Hemp and Mushroom Dispensary in Tampa, is one of the many hemp sellers who are opposed to the referendum. He believes that if recreational marijuana becomes legal, big-money dispensaries will take over the market and leave small businesses like his struggling to survive.
Hermida is not alone in his concerns. Brandon Gomes, owner of Siesta G dispensary near Tampa, also opposes the referendum, citing the potential for big businesses to dominate the market. Gomes’ dispensary sells tropical flavored gummies and smokable hemp products, including “Ice Cream Cake” and “Lemon Meringue,” that promise a relaxing high and “pure bliss.”
Despite the opposition, some hemp sellers are supporting the referendum. Jammie Treadwell, a Central Florida hemp farm owner, believes that cannabis use should not be a crime and sees the marijuana business as complementary to her hemp operation. Treadwell’s CBD products for people and pets carry a state-issued “Fresh from Florida” seal.
The debate over recreational marijuana has also led to tensions between the hemp and marijuana industries. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has vetoed a bill that would have created strict new regulations around hemp, citing concerns that it would decimate small businesses. The veto was met with criticism from some in the cannabis industry, who felt that DeSantis was prioritizing big businesses over small ones.
The hemp industry has also been accused of using its influence to try to block the referendum. A leaked WhatsApp group chat between hemp industry executives and smoke shop owners suggests that some felt pressured to donate to the Republican Party of Florida after DeSantis killed the anti-hemp bill. DeSantis and Republican leaders deny using the veto to pressure the executives.
The outcome of the referendum is far from certain, with a recent poll showing that 64% of voters favor legalizing recreational marijuana. If the measure passes, it could generate between $195 million and $431 million in new sales tax revenue per year. However, the debate over recreational marijuana has also highlighted the need for stricter regulations around the cannabis industry, with some calling for more inspectors and stricter standards for hemp products. Ultimately, the fate of Florida’s cannabis industry will be decided by the state’s voters.
