Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried Warns That Federal Hemp Ban Threatens Thousands of Jobs and Billions in Industry Revenue
The chair of the Florida Democratic Party, Nikki Fried, is sounding the alarm over a sweeping federal hemp ban tucked into a recent budget bill signed into law by President Donald Trump. According to Fried, the provision which would prohibit most consumable hemp products is a direct threat to a multi-billion-dollar industry, putting hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk just years after hemp was federally legalized. She contends lawmakers will have “no choice” but to revisit and reverse the decision as the cannabis business community mobilizes for relief.
Fried, a former Florida agriculture commissioner who helped develop the state’s emerging hemp market, said small farmers and businesses have been reaching out to her since the bill’s enactment, expressing confusion, fear, and “anger across the board” about the planned federal restrictions.
Federal Hemp Ban Spurs Widespread Industry Concern as Stakeholders Fear Collapse of Legal Market
Fried described the federal action as a shock to an industry that has operated under clear regulatory frameworks since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp. She emphasized that the abrupt policy reversal threatens farmers, small businesses, and consumers who have come to rely on hemp-derived products for therapeutic uses, wellness, and alternative medicine.
“[Congress] passed legislation banning something that’s going to impact jobs, the economy, small businesses, farms, and regulatory standards we’ve all been operating under since 2018,” Fried said. “There’s a lot of fear and frustration.”
She noted that the federal ban would not only jeopardize livelihoods but also undermine consumer safety by forcing the hemp industry underground. “Killing an entire industry that has benefited farmers growing alternative crops and small businesses is a colossal mistake,” Fried said.
Industry Advocates Push for Regulatory Frameworks Instead of Blanket Prohibition
With a one-year delay before the hemp ban takes effect, industry stakeholders are lobbying Congress for an alternative approach that focuses on regulation rather than prohibition. Fried expressed confidence that lawmakers will respond to the outcry.
“The industry has f by inally gotten to a point where consumers are seeking products, patients are using hemp-derived alternatives to opioids, and veterans are finding options outside the medical marijuana registries,” she said. “Lawmakers are going to hear from their constituents. They will have no choice but to come in and fix this.”
Fried stressed that a federal solution could mirror state-level regulatory programs that include age restrictions, labeling requirements, potency limits, and lab testing standards, creating a safer and more sustainable market.
Florida Poised to Advance Adult-Use Marijuana Legalization Amid Federal Policy Uncertainty
Fried also discussed ongoing efforts in Florida to place adult-use marijuana legalization on the 2026 ballot. She said state voters are likely to approve the measure despite potential interference from Governor Ron DeSantis (R).
“I do see it getting onto the ballot,” she said. “DeSantis is attempting maneuvers that are not legal or constitutional. He will lose in court, and the campaign will get back in front of the Florida Supreme Court. The language is strong, and 56 percent voted for it last time. We’re confident in 2026.”
Fried highlighted the broader context of federal cannabis policy, including the delayed marijuana rescheduling proposal, emphasizing that public opinion strongly favors rescheduling or descheduling cannabis entirely.
Industry Unity and Bipartisan Solutions Seen as Key to Overcoming Federal Hemp Ban
Fried called for collaboration between the hemp and traditional marijuana sectors to address policy challenges. She stressed that tensions between different cannabis stakeholders must be resolved to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework that supports both markets.
“There is a way for both the hemp side and the multi-state operator side to come together,” she said. “Industry leaders need to put aside egos and financial interests and recognize the upside benefit of full legalization. We must work together to move this forward.”
She also emphasized the importance of keeping consumer safety, job creation, and small business viability at the forefront of legislative solutions. “This is about livelihoods, families, and communities. The industry needs a responsible framework, not eradication.”
Federal Policy Implications Highlight Urgent Need for Congressional Action
Fried warned that if Congress fails to act, states like Florida may pursue their own regulatory programs, but issues such as interstate commerce, banking access, and federal taxation will continue to complicate the industry.
“The states are going to have to figure out where they go from here,” she said. “But at the end of the day, this federal policy is a big step backward, and people will quickly realize it was not the right call.”
Fried’s comments underscore the urgency of the moment as the hemp industry braces for potential economic disruption, regulatory uncertainty, and challenges to long-standing state programs that have prioritized safety, transparency, and responsible market development.
Lawmakers Face Pressure to Revise Hemp Ban Before Industry Losses Mount
As federal hemp prohibition looms, Fried emphasized that constituent pressure, industry advocacy, and state-level leadership will be critical in shaping the next steps. She remains hopeful that Congress will recognize the economic and social costs of a blanket ban and implement a regulatory solution that protects jobs, safeguards consumers, and supports the legal hemp industry.
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