When the 2018 Farm Bill was signed, most people saw it as a victory for hemp farmers. But in reality, it was something much bigger: it cracked open the door for cannabis innovation in ways state programs had not yet imagined.
What the Farm Bill Did
By legalizing hemp with less than 0.3% THC, the Farm Bill created a national framework for cultivation, processing, and distribution. Suddenly, cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, CBN, and THCV became legal across the U.S. This gave rise to wellness products, infused beverages, and even pet care items — markets that would not exist if we had relied on state cannabis programs alone.
In short, the Farm Bill gave consumers access and gave entrepreneurs room to innovate.
Where State Programs Fell Behind
State cannabis programs, including Florida’s, remain restrictive. They focus almost exclusively on THC and keep product access limited to licensed dispensaries. The cost of entry is high, the rules are rigid, and the result is a narrow marketplace that doesn’t reflect the full spectrum of what cannabis can do.
By contrast, the Farm Bill allowed hemp entrepreneurs to experiment — creating new categories, reaching new consumers, and normalizing cannabis in everyday life. Ironically, federal hemp law has done more to shape consumer understanding of cannabinoids than most state cannabis programs.
Why We Need a Farm Bill 2.0
The first Farm Bill was a start, but the next version must go further:
- Clarity on cannabinoids: Consumers deserve clear, consistent regulations on CBD, Delta-8, and other hemp-derived compounds.
- Safety & standards: National testing and labeling requirements would ensure consumers know exactly what they’re getting.
- Room for research: Universities and research institutions should have the freedom to study cannabinoids under the Farm Bill without unnecessary barriers.
- Equity pathways: Minority- and women-owned businesses should have fair access to participate in this national hemp economy.
How GŪD Builds on the Farm Bill
At GŪD Essence, we’re preparing to launch licensed medical cannabis under Florida’s MMTC program. But through GŪD Supply and our GŪD Sun Grown line, we’re also building under the Farm Bill — creating products that are accessible, innovative, and available nationwide.
- GŪD Supply serves as the marketplace, curating hemp-derived cannabinoids and lifestyle products online and in-store.
- GŪD Sun Grown is our seed-to-sale Farm Bill product line, connecting cultivation with consumers in a way that feels natural, transparent, and authentic.
- Third-party brands featured in GŪD Supply extend innovation even further, showcasing the best products from across the hemp and cannabinoid space.
The Future of Innovation
If state cannabis programs are the backbone of compliance, the Farm Bill is the frontier of possibility. Together, they can shape a future where cannabis is accessible, trusted, and innovative.
At GŪD, we believe the Farm Bill isn’t just a loophole — it’s a blueprint for progress. With the right reforms, Farm Bill 2.0 could unlock the next generation of cannabinoid research, wellness, and culture.
Because when cannabis has room to grow, innovation follows. And that’s how we build an industry for the GŪD of all.
