Enemy of My Enemy: Florida Hemp Industry Strikes Uneasy Alliance

So my great aunt says to me, “A guy like you should be living in Florida. People are free there.” But are they? You already know the back story. Governor Ron DeSantis’ veto of a bill that would have imposed severe restrictions on hemp products in Florida has, to absolutely no one’s surprise, stirred controversy. Though unexpected, the veto appears to have been part of a strategic move to gain the hemp industry’s support in his campaign against a recreational cannabis legalization ballot initiative.

That veto protected the hemp industry, particularly those players producing hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8 and delta-9, which the bill aimed to restrict. Many in the hemp business interpreted this as a gesture of goodwill, securing their loyalty in opposing the legalization of recreational cannabis.

In response, hemp executives pledged to donate up to $5 million to the Florida GOP, with some going to a PAC called the Florida Freedom Fund. This PAC is not only involved in the fight against cannabis legalization but works to oppose abortion rights and could potentially support the campaigns of GOP state candidates.

The relationship between DeSantis and the hemp industry is largely motivated by – again; you will not be shocked to learn this – mutual interest: the industry wants to avoid cannabis legalization, which could increase competition from larger, established cannabis companies.
DeSantis sees this partnership as a way to secure funds and support for broader Republican causes, which has raised concerns about the broader political implications of the hemp industry’s contributions.

There has been concern among some hemp business owners regarding the optics – aligning with a politician whose platform also opposes issues like abortion rights, really? But many justify their support by emphasizing the survival of small businesses.

Things got even more interesting when former President and Florida resident Donald Trump said once again in early September that he supports loosening federal marijuana restrictions and will vote for a Florida ballot initiative seeking to legalize the drug for adult use.
Looming over the drama is the November 5 vote on Florida’s Amendment 3, the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, which would legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older and allow individuals to possess up to three ounces.

‘Dark Side Dealings’

Enter Denice Davis, a relatively new resident of Florida – 2023 – who has been part of the cannabis industry for eight years. She began as a marketing director and CBD buyer for a 60-store retail chain in New York in charge of legal and compliance and worked closely with Advantage Marketing Solutions on cannabis promotion. From there, she obtained a hemp-cultivation license of her own – she is Denice Davis, LLC – as part of the 2014 National Pilot Research Program.

Florida’s legalization campaign . . . has raised more money than any other marijuana ballot measure in history – over $60 million as of a few weeks ago. The people are showing support with their wallets just to get it on the ballot.

—Denice Davis

Davis is in her third season as a licensed cultivator of recreational marijuana and has transitioned to a micro-business license for next year. “I currently handle marketing initiatives for CBD in Florida as well, and look forward to getting involved and licensed in Florida should the legalization pass here.”

Of Amendment 3, Davis says, “I believe it’s time for Florida to join the many states that have taken the lead in legalization. Being a state with such freedom in so many ways, it’s surprising to me that they haven’t done so already. Marijuana has always been a product of use for a multitude of reasons, and I think allowing legalization will eliminate the dark side dealings and provide much-needed regulation to produce safe a product that adults can trust.”
But will the measure ultimately pass?

“I believe it will,” Davis declares. “I spent much time over the past year educating individuals on the benefits of cannabis and found that the public at large is ready for this change. People are looking for alternatives to pharmaceutical options to aid various ailments, as well as recreational alternatives to alcohol.”

Will the industry support it? “Without a doubt, yes,” Davis insists. “Florida’s legalization campaign, Smart & Safe Florida, has raised more money than any other marijuana ballot measure in history – over $60 million as of a few weeks ago. The people are showing support with their wallets just to get it on the ballot.”

Marijuana’s multitude of health benefits, combined with Americans’ obvious desire for it as a recreational alternative, should help seal the deal, Davis figures. “I believe many would choose to try it if they didn’t have to go to an assigned medical marijuana doctor for approval. The underground market is a scary one, with so many threats of additives, mold, and unsavory conditions. Legalization would eliminate all of those threats by assuring that you could buy a safe product from a reliable source.”