As Florida looks for new ways to limit the appeal of intoxicating hemp products to minors, state officials are preparing to clarify exactly what counts as a “cartoon.” The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services plans to host a public workshop Wednesday to gather feedback on a proposed rule tied to a 2023 law that bars hemp items from being marketed in ways that are “attractive to children.”
That law prohibits products that take the shape of people, animals, or cartoons; that resemble well-known candies or snacks; or that use color additives making them easy to mistake for name-brand treats.
Under the new proposal, a “cartoon” would be defined as any drawing or depiction of a person, animal, creature, or object that includes exaggerated or humorous features, gives human traits to nonhuman figures, or shows unnatural powers such as invulnerability, X-ray vision, or super speed.
Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson has made it a priority to tighten oversight of hemp-derived products that might draw the attention of kids. His agency says inspectors have already removed more than 800,000 products from store shelves—ranging from gas stations to smoke shops—since the law took effect.
Industry advocates say they’re open to stronger oversight if it provides consistency and transparency. However, they argue the current proposal still leaves too much room for interpretation.
“The hemp sector supports clear, reasonable rules that keep products out of children’s hands,” said attorney Paula Savchenko, who works with hemp companies across the state. “But vague language about things like ‘comically exaggerated features’ or ‘unnatural abilities’ makes it hard for businesses to know what’s acceptable, especially when similar marketing is allowed in other industries.”
The hemp industry and state regulators have long clashed over limits on gummies, vapes, and other intoxicating hemp-based products, which can sometimes be stronger than those available through Florida’s medical marijuana system.
Last summer, hemp businesses celebrated when Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have sharply restricted these products. The governor’s decision came as he opposed a proposed amendment to legalize recreational marijuana. Lawmakers revisited the issue this year, but no new restrictions advanced during the session.
Read the full story here: https://www.wusf.org/politics-issues/2025-08-12/why-cartoon-definition-key-issue-florida-hemp-debate