Florida SB66 Hemp Bill at a Glance
At its core, the SB66 Hemp Bill provides guidelines on the cultivation, production, and sale of hemp products in Florida. It strives to create an industry standard, ensuring safety and transparency for consumers, while also aligning with federal regulations.
Packaging & Labeling: The Heart of the Matter
One of the standout sections of this bill, particularly for retailers, is the detailed guidelines for packaging and labeling of hemp products. Here’s a breakdown:
3 e. 2. Distributing or Selling in a Specified Container
When distributing or selling hemp products, the container must have:
- a. A scannable barcode or quick response code (QR code) which links to the certificate of analysis. This analysis should be carried out by an independent testing laboratory for the hemp extract batch.
- b. The batch number, crucial for traceability and quality control.
- c. An internet address where more detailed batch information can be found.
- d. The expiration date of the product.
- e. Detailed information on the number of milligrams of each marketed cannabinoid per serving.
3 e. 3. Specific Container Requirements
Furthermore, the hemp product container must:
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a. Be fit for containing products intended for human consumption.
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b. Be made of materials that reduce exposure to light, thus preserving the product’s quality.
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c. Minimize exposure to high temperatures, again ensuring the hemp product remains at its best.
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d. Not be designed in a way that it’s attractive to children, emphasizing safety.
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e. Comply with the United States Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970. This is a key federal requirement to ensure child safety.
The U.S. Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 Explained
Enacted in 1970, the United States Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA) was designed to reduce the risk of children ingesting hazardous substances. The Act mandates that certain household substances, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and now certain hemp products, be packaged in child-resistant packaging.
Child-resistant packaging, as defined by the PPPA, is designed to be significantly challenging for children under five years of age to open within a reasonable amount of time, but not for adults. For a package to be considered child-resistant, it must pass a series of tests that assess its effectiveness in preventing child access.
Child-Resistant Packaging in Florida’s Hemp Industry
With the integration of the PPPA into the SB66 Hemp Bill, there’s a clear message: the safety of children is paramount. The emphasis is on preventing accidental ingestion of hemp products, especially given the rise of edibles and other consumables that might be mistakenly perceived as regular food or candy by a child.
What This Means for Retailers:
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Evaluation of Current Packaging: Retailers must assess their current hemp product packaging to determine if it meets child-resistant standards as outlined in the PPPA. This might mean liaising with suppliers or seeking expert guidance to ascertain compliance.
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Building Trust: Emphasizing the use of child-resistant packaging can be a trust-building measure. By highlighting this aspect, retailers can position themselves as responsible and consumer-centric businesses.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety in the Hemp Industry
The inclusion of child-resistant packaging requirements, as inspired by the U.S. Poison Prevention Packaging Act, in Florida’s SB66 Hemp Bill, is a progressive step. It not only underscores the importance of child safety but also challenges retailers to be more responsible and diligent. As the hemp industry in Florida continues to grow, regulations like these ensure it does so with the utmost regard for community and consumer safety.
