TAMPA, Fla. — The bill President Donald Trump signed to reopen the federal government contains a provision that will dramatically reshape the THC product marketplace, effectively criminalizing most THC-infused products currently sold in the U.S.
What You Need To Know
President Donald Trump recently signed a bill into law to reopen the federal government, which had been shut down for more than a month
A provision in the bill, though, dealt not with the shutdown, but hemp products in the U.S.
The provision will dramatically reshape the THC product marketplace, effectively criminalizing most THC-infused products currently sold in the U.S.
The new rule makes any product containing more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC illegal — including hemp-derived or synthetic cannabinoids such as Delta-8.
While some Florida hemp shop owners say the change could devastate their businesses, supporters argue the stricter limits will help protect children.
The tighter regulations caught many in the hemp industry off guard.
“It was a shock to everybody,” said Carlos Hermida, owner of Chillum Mushroom and Hemp. “I mean, they literally snuck it in there.”
Hermida says the change amounts to an attack on the industry, noting that a large portion of his store’s inventory will no longer be allowed.
“We sell glass and we sell vapes and other things … but it’s definitely 90% of my hemp inventory, which is a significant amount,” he said. “We’ve been selling hemp in Florida … for about eight years.”
Under the new federal provision, only 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container will be permitted — far below the potency of most products now on shelves.
“So this little bit here, this oil … is almost 900 milligrams in this container,” Hermida said. “This little bit would be very, very illegal. And these gummies are 300 milligrams per gummy. They would only allow four milligrams per gummy.”
The ruling applies to all hemp-derived cannabinoids, including those synthesized outside the plant such as Delta-8.
For Ellen Snelling, chair of the Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance, the new limits are long overdue.
“This is something I’ve been hoping for since about 2022,” Snelling said.
She said she believes the changes will help reduce youth access to drugs and prevent medical emergencies linked to THC exposure.
“I think it will make a big difference, especially with our children,” she said. “Florida Poison Center numbers continue to go up — exposures, hospitalizations, ER visits of children and adults.”
The hemp industry generates billions in annual revenue, and business owners like Hermida worry about what comes next.
“This is definitely something that we need to figure out … to make sure that our business stays up and running,” he said.
Despite the sweeping changes, the new regulations won’t take effect immediately. A one-year delay in implementation will give Congress time to revisit the issue and craft additional rules.