TAMPA, Fla. — Carlos Hermida has been selling hemp products out of Chillum Dispensary in Ybor City for the past five years.

He said he got into the industry to help people – especially veterans – experiencing anxiety, insomnia and pain. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Farm Bill of 2018 made it legal for businesses to sell CBD and other products derived by hemp, a part of the cannabis plant that does not contain enough THC to cause a mind-altering effect

  • A pair of bills in the Florida House of Representatives and Senate would create new restrictions on hemp

  • Some local dispensaries are concerned the proposed bill could kill the hemp industry

  • If passed, the new regulations would become law on July 1

“They come to us because they can’t afford medical marijuana," Hermida said. "They can’t be part of that system, so they come to us. If we’re not here, they’re going to go to the black market. If these bills pass, a lot of my customers are going to become criminals overnight.”

Hermida is referring to a pair of bills filed in the Florida Senate and House of Representatives that would add more regulations on hemp.

The Farm Bill of 2018 made it legal for businesses to sell CBD and other products dervied from hemp.

Unlike marijuana, hemp does not have enough of the psychoactive element THC to cause a mind-altering effect.

The newly-proposed bill would limit the amount of hemp-derived THC in products to no more than two milligrams per package and require it to be sold in containers that are not attractive to children.

State Senator Colleen Burton of Lakeland introduced the bill, saying the intention is to protect kids from getting their hands on harmful substances – which Hermina doesn't take issue with. 

“We already have a 21 and up rule on a lot of Delta 8 products in the state," Hermida said. "Quite honestly, a lot of our licensed hemp businesses would be willing to comply with regulations for 21 and up, we don’t want to see these products in the hands of children.”

But Hermida said he is worried the addiontal regulations could drive small dispensaries like his out of the market, facing competition with the medical marijuana industry.

If the pill passes, Hermida estimates he would no longer be able to sell up to 80% of the products in his store.

“Times are hard right now," he said. "We’re seeing a dip in the economy and what not but my customers can’t afford medical marijuana, they can’t be part of that system.”

Hermida is mainly concerned about how the proposed changes could affect his customers, which is why he is headed to Tallahasee to speak in front of the Florida House of Representatives on Monday.

On Friday, Hermida, other store owners and advocates had a Zoom call with Sen. Burton to voice their concerns about the proposed legislation.

The bill has already passed through the Senate Agriculture Committee.

The proposed regulations would become law on July 1, if the bill passes and is signed into law.