Florida’s hemp industry is under fire as a Times/Herald investigation revealed illegal THC levels and hazardous pesticides in products marketed as hemp. Tests on 41 items, including flower, vapes, and edibles, showed 35 exceeded the legal THC limit of 0.3%, with some matching the potency of medical marijuana. A vape pen sold in Tampa hit an alarming 76.1% THC. Toxic pesticides, including myclobutanil, which releases hydrogen cyanide when heated, were found in 12 products, posing serious health risks like cancer and memory issues. According to the Miami Herald, “Many of the tested items, all sold as hemp products, registered with a potency that by legal definition classified them as marijuana. Some were contaminated with pesticides that are either banned outright or are unauthorized for use in the industry”

Retailers and manufacturers dispute the findings, blaming flawed testing methods and ambiguous regulations. However, critics argue Florida’s $10 billion hemp market operates in a poorly regulated grey area, as demonstrated by widespread violations. Experts warn these under-regulated products could harm consumers, shining a light on the need for stricter oversight. The Tallahassee Democrat also reported, “The vapes and flower products had illegally-high amounts of THC. One of the flower products failed a pesticide and had harmful microbial contaminants.” 

These findings emerge as Florida voters get ready to make a decision on the legalisation of recreational marijuana. Advocates suggest a regulated market could ensure safer products, but unresolved disputes over hemp laws leave significant concerns about consumer safety.

Source: Tampa Bay Times