Florida’s 2025 legislative session is underway, and once again, lawmakers are discussing hemp regulation. The Florida House recently has concluded its Combined Workgroup on Hemp and legislation has re-emerged to address many of the concerns Floridians have regarding the intoxicating hemp products currently on the market.
Lavaris Jackson [ Times files ]
While much of the opposition for regulating hemp has been focused around how it might hurt the industry, I strongly believe this conversation is missing a key voice: the small business owners operating in the non-intoxicating hemp space who already are hurting. Frankly, we are tired of getting lumped in with the intoxicating hemp industry and are desperate for clear regulation.
Florida long been celebrated as one of the most business-friendly states in the nation. However, as industries rapidly grow and evolve, we need our state policymakers and business leaders to help ensure it stays that way.
In 2020, my wife, Chelsea, and I started Antone Rae, a CBD boutique aimed toward helping people find relief through non-intoxicating hemp products. By 2023, I left my career in insurance to dedicate myself full-time to our budding business. Today, we are fortunate that our growing business ships CBD products, including gummies, lotions and more, across the United States and participates in pop-up shops across Tampa Bay. We plan to continue expanding our footprint throughout Florida and nationwide.
For me, this is more than just a business. It is about crafting products for everyday heroes to find relief — whether you are a professional, a parent a senior — while also educating and empowering others to understand the benefits of the plant.
This journey, however, has not been without its obstacles. In Florida, the hemp industry can be a complex and confusing sector for entrepreneurs to enter. The laws are vague, regulation can be hazy and there is little differentiation between intoxicating and non-intoxicating hemp products from a regulatory standpoint.
It took a lot of trial and error to obtain the correct licensing, navigate our regulatory authority, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and ensure we were meeting the legal marketing requirements.
Last year, a bill passed through the Florida Legislature to help address some of these concerns but was ultimately vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The governor encouraged the Legislature to make some fixes to the legislation and return this session to create a regulatory framework for Florida’s hemp marketplace.
Similar legislation has been filed this year, which would create limits on THC — the primary psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant — in intoxicating hemp products, require product packaging not to be targeted towards children, implement age restrictions and form a clearer path forward for small business owners navigating these waters.
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I believe it is both urgent and necessary that the legislature and the governor work to find a solution and sensible regulation this session.
Not only will this benefit businesses on the non-intoxicating side, but sensible regulations, in my view, also will hempthose working with intoxicating products. By giving consumers peace of mind that the product is safe, while also preventing these products from falling into the hands of minors, we are creating a more legitimate industry that will ultimately benefit the sector as it grows.
As lawmakers continue their work this session, I hope they take this opportunity to make meaningful hemp policy reform by promoting safety and quality within the industry, uplifting small businesses and ensuring our state remains a hub of opportunity for all.
Lavaris Jackson is the founder of Antone Rae and a resident of Riverview.
As industries grow, we need our state policymakers and leaders to help ensure Florida remains business-friendly. Read More
