Brandon Gomes, owner of Siesta G dispensary, expressed concerns about the potential impact of legalizing recreational marijuana on his business, stating, 'It seems the last couple years the medical marijuana industry has been sponsoring all the bills aimed at taking us out.' He fears that if the referendum passes, smaller hemp businesses like his may struggle as larger dispensaries enter the market, drawing customers away from his thriving hemp-only sales.
Florida's current cannabis regulations permit only medical marijuana, while intoxicating hemp products flourish in the market. This dichotomy has led to tensions between the medical cannabis industry and the booming hemp sector, with concerns voiced by hemp industry personalities about potential losses if recreational marijuana becomes legal. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis remains opposed to the legalization amendment, focusing on protecting existing businesses while navigating industry pressures.
Hemp business executives alleged pressure from Republican leaders for political donations, especially following Gov. DeSantis's veto of proposed regulations that would have significantly impacted their operations. A report mentioned the financial influence over political processes in Florida to maintain competitive advantages in the cannabis industry, showcasing a deeper struggle for dominance between hemp and medical cannabis sectors.
[
Collection
]
[
|
...
]