HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Starting Thursday, hemp drinks and edibles with more than 0.4 mg of THC become illegal, threatening a fast‑growing market and dozens of jobs.
Federal Limit Redefines Hemp
The new federal rule will make any product containing over 0.4 mg total THC illegal. A September congressional amendment delayed the effective date.
Herban Flow, Florida’s first non‑alcoholic bottle shop founded by Michael Smith, derives 80% of its sales from cannabis‑derived drinks. Customers view these drinks as an alcohol substitute, not a high‑intensity high.
Smith said the ban will force the shop to close one of its two locations. It will also lay off employees and lose merchant processing and website sales, demanding a rapid rebuild.
Supporters say the change closes a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill. Snelling noted that poison‑center reports rose from near zero before the bill to over a thousand exposures after it passed.
She warned that hemp‑derived THC can lead children to other substances. Her concern is that easy access may normalize use before age.
Smith argues the products provide a healthier alternative to alcohol for patrons seeking better lifestyles. He says the loss would hurt community health efforts.
Congress has introduced bills to delay the rule for two years or repeal it entirely, but suppliers are already cutting back.
