Oversight of Florida’s CBD Industry Up in the Air

As if Florida isn’t having enough problems with its CBD program.

This week, the commissioner of the state’s Department of Agriculture said he doesn’t want his agency to oversee quality control for Florida’s limited CBD industry, raising questions about who will actually take on that important task.

“We do not regulate pharmaceuticals or medicinals or vitamins or whatever marijuana is classified,” Commissioner Adam Putnam told the Palm Beach Post. “Our role…is limited to identifying nurseries who are eligible to bid on the job. Period.”

Florida has faced several setbacks as it tries to develop regulations and rules on the five companies that will eventually be allowed to produce high-CBD, low-THC medical products for a select number of qualifying patients. Previously, it had appeared that agriculture department officials would play a key role in ensuring that companies produce medical-grade cannabis.

Another stakeholders’ committee meeting is slated for Feb. 4-5, with the state Department of Health scheduled to discuss new rules for the CBD rollout.