The hemp industry is pushing back against a new bill that could ban nearly all hemp-derived products containing THC.

This provision was tucked into a government funding bill, redefining hemp and potentially making products that have been legal since the 2018 Farm Bill illegal in Florida.

Todd Cynecki, CEO of Good Vibes CBD in Cape Coral, expressed his frustration over the new regulations.

“This is the third time that we’ve gone through some type of regulations,” said Cynecki.

Inside Cynecki’s hemp shop, relief comes in various forms, including lotions, oils, and edible treats. Customers look for alternatives to pharmaceuticals for conditions like sleep issues, pain, and anxiety.

“We’re dealing with people that are dealing with pain, anxiety, sleep issues, or greater conditions, epileptic seizures, things of that nature,” said Cynecki. “So people are seeking pharmaceutical alternatives that might not have the side effects, that might not have the addiction issues or other negative issues with liver and so on and so forth.”

The new provision bans any hemp-derived product containing THC, even trace amounts previously allowed, causing confusion and alarm for small business owners like Cynecki.

“You’re unhappy that they’re going to shut you down, and then you start thinking about all the ramifications for the people that we’re helping with product, and what they’re going to do to source products, where they’re going to find relief,” said Cynecki.

Political experts trace the change back to the original author of the 2018 Farm Bill, Mitch McConnell from Kentucky.

“It was not his intent that hemp and hemp products be sold that had, you know, intoxicating or psychoactive drugs in them,” said Aubrey Jewett, a political scientist. “And so he’s the one that really stepped forward and made sure that that was in the bill to close the loophole.”

Jewett explained that the provision was added during last-minute negotiations to reopen the government, catching much of the hemp industry by surprise.

“I do think that the people that are in the hemp industry were caught by surprise when this was included in the bill to reopen the government,” said Jewett.

The law does not take effect for nearly a year, giving the hemp industry time to regroup. For now, shops like Cynecki’s remain open, but business owners feel the clock is ticking.