Rep. Michelle Salzman, R-Pensacola, told the House Budget Committee that “there is a long list of stuff” in the proposal (HB 7027) that could be changed as it heads to a final committee next week. The prohibition on convenience-store or gas-station sales of consumable hemp products is one of the most controversial parts of the measure.
“The conversation around the convenience stores is a strong one,” Salzman said before the Budget Committee unanimously approved the bill.
The Senate last week passed a similar bill (SB 438) to set new regulations for consumable hemp products. The Senate plan would allow THC-infused beverages to be sold at places that have liquor licenses and require the drinks to be distributed by beer and alcohol wholesalers. Both the House and Senate plans would cap the amount of euphoria-inducing THC in other consumable products at 0.3 percent.
Lawmakers last year passed a measure seeking to impose regulations on such products, but Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed the bill after vehement opposition from hemp manufacturers and retailers. Last year’s bill did not address THC-infused beverages, which are intoxicating and have mushroomed in popularity in recent years.
The House Budget Committee on Wednesday also approved a measure (HB 7029) that would impose excise taxes on consumable hemp products. The proposed tax rate for THC beverages would be equivalent to excise taxes on beer and wine, and the proposed tax rate for other consumable hemp products would be 15 percent. The Senate plan does not include the proposed taxes.
This article appears in Apr 10-16, 2025.