A newly formed Combined Workgroup on Hemp in Florida convened for its first meeting Tuesday morning to study hemp, state and federal regulation of hemp and related substances, and the evolution of hemp from an agricultural commodity to a retail market.
The work group, created by the House Speaker Daniel Perez, and led by Rep. Michelle Salzman, aims to "better arm" members of the House with information on the subject of hemp regulation. The group will not consider legislation or specific policy proposals during their three meetings.
The first day focused on regulators and scientists, and the history of hemp as an agricultural commodity. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson addressed the group, emphasizing the complexity of hemp regulation.
"Hemp is very complicated," Simpson said. "The facts are not complicated, but from my experience, the debate and advocacy often does not rely on the facts."
Read more at Florida's Voice