Commissioner Nikki Fried Announces Hemp Workshops for Public in North, Central, South Florida

Tallahassee, Fla. — Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried is announcing that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) will hold hemp rulemaking workshops this month throughout the state. As the Governor is expected to sign the state hemp legislation soon, the Department is hosting the workshops to create a space for the public to ask questions and provide valuable input into the hemp rulemaking process, as this exciting new industry starts up in Florida.

The workshops will be held in Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, and Tallahassee, to allow for citizens in the southern, central, and northern regions of the state to participate. The events will be also livestreamed by the Florida Channel for those unable to attend.

“Our new state hemp program marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter here in Florida and brings a chance to strengthen our agriculture industry, increase access to safe CBD products, and diversify and fuel our state economy,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried. “We're working to build the new state hemp program from the ground up, and we want to hear from the people it's intended to serve. I encourage everyone to join us at these workshops — we're making history, and want Floridians alongside us every step of the way.”

The workshops provide opportunities to interact with stakeholders in the hemp industry, including growers, processors, lab owners, manufacturers, and retailers, as well as FDACS officials. Commissioner Nikki Fried, Cannabis Director Holly Bell, and Directors of the Department's Plant Industry, Food Safety, and Agricultural and Environmental Services Divisions will be available to answer questions, discuss concerns, and receive feedback.

“This is a collaborative process between our Department, a wide range of hemp industry stakeholders – and now, the public. By bringing all of these groups together, we can develop a program that works for Florida's growers, consumers, and everyone,” said Holly Bell, Director of Cannabis.

Each workshop will begin at 9:00 AM EST and end at 5:00 PM EST. Anyone with an interest in the future of Florida's hemp industry may attend. No RSVP is necessary. See below for dates and locations.

South Florida Hemp Workshop
Thursday, June 20, 9 a.m.
Broward College, South Campus
Performing Cultural Arts Theater (PCAT)
7200 Pines Blvd.
Building 68 A, Room 151
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024

Central Florida Hemp Workshop
Friday, June 21, 9 a.m.
Tampa Fairgrounds
Florida Center
4800 U.S. Hwy 301 N.
Tampa, FL 33610

North Florida Hemp Workshop
Monday, June 24, 9 a.m.
R.A. Gray Building
Auditorium
500 S. Bronough St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399

To view a livestream of the workshops, visit the Florida Channel's website.

The Department also maintains a regularly-updated section on its website to provide information on cannabis and the new state hemp program. Floridians are encouraged to visit FreshFromFlorida.com/Cannabis for hemp and cannabis updates, or email Cannabis@FreshFromFlorida.com with any questions.