In Florida, there’s a law in the works to make hemp legal to grow in the Sunshine State which could pave the way for a multi-million dollar industry.
According to the Hemp Industries Association, a nonprofit trade group representing businesses, farmers, researchers and investors working with industrial hemp, $620 million worth of hemp-produced products (like rope and shirts) was sold in 2014.
Imagine how greater the profits could be if hemp were legal outright! Clearly, lawmakers recognize this opportunity as well.
“No one has given me a good reason not to grow hemp,” said state Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, (D-Tallahassee) the House sponsor. “Hemp has many uses. It’s good for the environment. Why not?”
Hemp isn’t just used for rope and shirts. It’s also used in construction, jewelry, cosmetics and other products, including health food supplements and the creation of hemp seed oil. Additionally, hemp is easier on our environment to grow since it releases fewer toxins when refined, requires less pesticides, and less water (in the form of irrigation) to produce.
It would seem the only reason hemp (and its derivatives) are out of favor is due to its association with cannabis and their shared component, THC. However, besides the fact that hemp does not make users “high” like marijuana, that very THC component may make hemp just as valuable for medical reasons as restorative CBD oil – increasing its potential profit margin that much more.
If you are interested in seeing what you can do to bring hemp to Florida, visit the Vote Hemp website.