News Summary
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has voiced his opposition to Alabama House Bill 445, which imposes strict regulations on hemp, including a ban on smokable hemp. He urges Governor Ivey to reconsider the bill, citing concerns over public safety and economic impact. Local hemp farmers fear the legislation could cripple businesses and criminalize licensed activities. The law could hinder small businesses and lead to an increase in non-violent offenses. With its enforcement date approaching, Woodfin and others are calling for a veto to protect the burgeoning hemp industry in Alabama.
Birmingham – Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has publicly expressed his opposition to Alabama House Bill 445 (HB445), a piece of legislation that imposes strict regulations on hemp. Mayor Woodfin has urged Governor Kay Ivey to reconsider the bill, which he describes as “broken” and detrimental to both public safety and economic progress. The bill is set to go into effect on July 1, and its provisions include a ban on smokable hemp and high-potency gummies, both of which are popular in the hemp market.
The legislation categorizes the sale or possession of smokable hemp flowers or pre-rolled cigarettes as a felony, contrasting the misdemeanor status given to marijuana possession. This shift in legality has raised questions among stakeholders, including Woodfin, who is concerned about the implications of penalizing currently licensed businesses that sell hemp products that will soon be illegal.
Local hemp farmer Christian Butts has voiced his apprehension about the bill, arguing that it could lead to the criminalization of his licensed farming activities. He is among many in the industry who fear that the new regulations will cripple small businesses reliant on hemp sales. The law will place hemp-derived products under the authority of the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, imposing a 10% tax along with new packaging, labeling, and testing requirements.
Opponents of HB445 are worried that the bill could negatively impact small businesses and place additional burdens on local law enforcement, who may need to address an increase in non-violent offenses as a result. Business leaders have highlighted the potential for the legislation to undermine the economic opportunities for small business owners, especially those from marginalized communities. Many local entrepreneurs have cautioned that this bill could devastate the burgeoning hemp industry in Alabama, leading to substantial closures.
With the bill poised to become law soon, Woodfin and others are urging citizens to contact Governor Ivey and advocate for a veto of HB445. The overall sentiment among the opposition is that the legislation could push consumers back into the black market for hemp products, thereby defeating the purpose of establishing regulated sales and undermining efforts to ensure public safety.
The debates surrounding HB445 reflect wider discussions about the regulation of hemp and cannabis products in various states across the U.S. While some states have moved toward more progressive regulation and legalization, others, like Alabama, are adopting stricter measures. Governor Ivey’s decision will play a critical role in determining the future of hemp legislation in Alabama, and many stakeholders are watching closely as the enforcement date approaches.
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Additional Resources
- CBS 42: Mayor Woodfin Urging Gov. Ivey to Call Special Session on HB445
- AL.com: Birmingham Mayor Wants Kay Ivey to Call a Special Session to Fix This Broken Alabama Law
- ABC 33/40: Birmingham Mayor Urges Veto of Alabama House Bill 445
- Birmingham Times: Birmingham Business Owners Urge Governor Ivey to Veto Hemp Bill
- WVTM 13: Alabama House Bill 445 on THC Hemp
- Wikipedia: Hemp
- Google Search: Alabama House Bill 445
- Google Scholar: Regulation of Hemp Products
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hemp
- Google News: Alabama House Bill 445
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
