The question of whether marijuana should be legal for recreational use in Florida will be on the ballot this November for voters to decide. If they vote to legalize it, that could open up the market for a wide range of cannabis-infused products, from edibles to drinks.
Cannabis-infused beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are big business in some parts of the country and online. Could cannabis beer, wine or other drinks be sold in liquor stores, dispensaries or even in bars and other hospitality venues?
Lawmakers will likely impose restrictions
First of all, even if the ballot measure is successful, it’s predicted that the Florida Legislature will place numerous restrictions on where cannabis products of any kind can be consumed and sold.
Non-alcoholic drinks that contain THC derived from hemp rather than marijuana and therefore don’t produce the “high” associated with marijuana are currently legal in Florida. A bill that would have made them illegal died in the legislature earlier this year.
Beverages that include marijuana-derived THC have a far more noticeable effect on people. Therefore, as one hospitality industry official notes, they owe it to consumers to let them know that a glass of wine with cannabis will be nothing like a traditional glass of wine. Even a non-alcoholic beverage that contains marijuana-derived THC can have a significant effect on someone.
It remains to be seen what the market for cannabis beverages (with and without alcohol) will look like if the November ballot measure succeeds, what will be legal and how these new products if they’re legal, will affect retailers, producers and others in the beverage and cannabis industries in Florida. Having experienced legal guidance in navigating this new world will be crucial.