Patrick O’Briena veteran and founder of Learn Sativa University and SaveFLHemp.org, an organization dedicated to protecting Florida’s hemp industry and the small businesses that depend on it, addressed the Florida House of Representatives, where he championed small businesses and the people of Florida. However, his request went unanswered when the House of Representatives passed Bill 1475, potentially endangering Florida’s entire hemp industry.

O’Brien, along with other business owners and cancer survivors, was allotted just a 30-second window to argue against the bill’s devastating impact on small businesses, individuals and the economy. Despite overwhelming evidence against the bill’s correctness, hemp companies have been told to “stay on track” as HB 1475 moves forward.

SaveFLHemp.org stated, “The bill, disguised as a child protection measure, would primarily benefit Florida MMTCs at the expense of the hemp industry. Opting for profit over the people, the representatives, many of whom showed little knowledge of the plant, its uses, or the science behind it, voted for the bill while claiming to hear the concerns of the crowd. The proposed law is unconstitutional and violates federal guidelines. Furthermore, the “guidelines” established by this bill are already in effect in Florida, and the addition of outrageous THC caps and the redefinition of hemp in Florida law would only serve to destroy small businesses.”

All eyes are now on the next committees, the subcommittee on appropriations for agriculture and natural resources and the committee on infrastructure strategies. Both hold the power to advocate for small businesses and prevent large corporations from monopolizing the hemp industry in Florida, a state that prides itself on freedom and opportunity.

O’Brien also initiated a petition against the bills, which can be signed online at saveflhemp.org. As thousands of signatures have already been collected, the goal is to collect even more…