1. United States
2. Ala.
3. Letter

HB445 poses a severe threat to Alabama's burgeoning hemp industry and access to alternative healthcare options. Over 800 Alabamians have petitioned urging a veto, warning the legislation could devastate small businesses, fuel illicit markets, and cut off holistic treatments for veterans, the disabled, and those with chronic conditions. The rushed bill imposes extreme restrictions like banning smokable hemp, capping THC levels, prohibiting online sales, imposing steep taxes, and threatening severe penalties - moves that industry leaders say will force many retailers to close. This overreach threatens livelihoods and patient access while potentially aligning Alabama with permissive markets the bill ostensibly aims to curtail. With so many legitimate businesses and individuals facing harm, I urge you to veto HB445 and instead pursue balanced regulations developed transparently and with stakeholder input. Protecting opportunities for entrepreneurs while preserving healthcare alternatives should be the priority. This flawed legislation fails that test and warrants reconsideration to prevent disastrous consequences.