DOWNTOWN TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) \u2014 THC-infused drinks are on store shelves across Tallahassee right now, but a new federal law could soon change what shops are allowed to sell.<\/p>\n
WATCH FULL REPORT BELOW:<\/p>\n
THC-infused drinks are legal on Tallahassee shelves now, but a new federal law could soon change that<\/p>\n
The cans may look like seltzers or energy drinks, but instead of alcohol, they contain THC derived from hemp \u2014 and they can impair you.<\/p>\n
The new law targets intoxicating hemp products and sets a limit of 0.4 milligrams of total THC and similar cannabinoids per container. Supporters say the change closes a loophole that allowed intoxicating products to be sold as legal hemp.<\/p>\n
Even with the possible federal restriction, these products are not unregulated. Florida already has rules for how hemp products are tested, labeled, and packaged.<\/p>\n
We reviewed 11 local Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) inspection records dating back to January of last year. Inspectors cited businesses for hemp products above the state’s 0.3% delta-9 THC limit. Other violations included labeling problems, packaging that was not child-resistant, and products the state says could appeal to children. Several of the records included orders to take products off shelves.<\/p>\n
We could not verify whether any of those violations involved THC-infused drinks.<\/p>\n
Cleo Vape + Kava Bar was not among the businesses with violations in the records ABC 27 reviewed. <\/p>\n
Mac, who works at Cleo, says a ban would not just affect the businesses selling these products. She said some customers turn to them for medicinal purposes because other options can be too expensive.<\/p>\n
“We are just so scared for the industry, and it would be a big hit on the industry. A lot of people come to smoke shops who can’t afford a medical card, or they can’t get a medical card because they’ve been incarcerated, or they don’t want to be on a registry,” Mac said.<\/p>\n
Dani Baranowski leads the Florida Hemp Beverage Coalition. She says the industry is not asking to operate without rules.<\/p>\n
“What is missing is clear and clear regulations. I think there’s an opportunity for the regulators to give us a bit more clarity and insight. We support responsible enforcement.” Baranowski said.<\/p>\n
There is also tax revenue at stake. Florida collects sales tax on these products, but the state does not separately track how much revenue comes from THC-infused drinks. <\/p>\n
The industry is now pushing Congress to change the new federal rules <\/a>before they fully take effect in November.<\/p>\n This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/p>\n Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website. <\/a><\/p>\n Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.<\/p>\n Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n Follow us on Instagram <\/a>and X.<\/a><\/p>\n