1. United States
2. Ala.
3. Letter

HB445 goes into effect on July 1st and makes the sale and possession of smokeable hemp a Class C felony. This is incredibly unproductive and unhelpful to the true needs of citizens of Alabama. It’s even more atrocious considering the fact that medical marijuana was legalized here in 2021 and for some reason no progress has been made in distributing licenses. It is not lost on me that this is being done to fill up Alabama’s brand new prisons. If we were truly concerned with reducing crime rates, there is much evidence to prove that social development is one of the most significant preventers of crime and recidivism. As of 2025, Alabama is ranked 44th out of 50 states in education. Many children in this state are still unable to read by the 3rd grade. We are 40th in healthcare. At least 23 AL counties do not have proper sewage systems, i.e CLEAN water to drink and bathe in. Some counties in this state only have one obstetrician. In a state that constantly reiterates a pro-life stance, our government is doing nothing to protect and support the lives of the citizens they claim to serve. It is obvious that mass incarceration and prison labor are your true priorities as they line your pockets, and once again the actual needs of your citizens are being left in the dust. I urge you to do better. These decisions may pay for your vacation homes, but they are ruining our lives.