The rise of CBD has taken the state by storm. It’s being advertised on storefronts, billboards, and online, in lotions, drinks, and candies. It comes from Hemp, which was made legal in Florida with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill.
The Hemp Industries Association of Florida formed shortly after with a goal of getting potential stakeholders interested in the industry. Chairman David Hasenauer says one of the biggest roadblocks to hemp production has been getting people past the negative stigma surrounding the plant. But he says that’s changing as more people learn about it.
“The general sentiment around it has changed tremendously but your right we do still have some of that Reefer Madness stigma associated with it. And that’s exactly what we’re here to do, we’re trying to shed light on what this really is and that this is a straight forward agricultural commodity like anything else provides a ton of promise to our farmers and entrepreneurs,” said Hasenauer.
Hasenauer says he’s getting interested from farmers who in recent years have seen their profit margin on other crops decline. And he says hemp production isn’t only for farmers but other industries as well.
“Whether you’re selling farm equipment, fertilizer, or advertising or legal, I mean it’s a new industry that has new needs and new support and a new client base,” explained Hasenauer. “It’s something that’s going to be tremendously impactful for the Florida economy.”
Earlier in the week, Florida Cannabis Director Holly Bell announced permits for growing hemp could be issued in the new year.
