Alabama’s Hemp Regulation Debate

State Senator Sam Givhan recently appeared on WVNN’s “Dale Jackson Show” to discuss new legislation related to the sale of certain hemp products in Alabama. This bill, which was pursued in both the Senate and the House, faced significant opposition. Some argued it was too strict, while others felt it didn’t impose enough restrictions.

“They’re facing a lot of criticism from both sides,” Givhan (R-Huntsville) mentioned during the conversation with Dale Jackson. “I spoke with [Governor Ivey] yesterday, discussing this and other topics.”

Initially, Givhan intended to support the legislation, but he chose not to due to an amendment he found unacceptable.

“Just so you know, I didn’t vote ‘Yes’. I was quite upset with that change that allowed it to be sold in grocery stores. I had planned to support it, but that amendment really angered me,” he explained.

According to Givhan, the debate surrounding cannabis is polarized—on one side, daily THC users from the Alabama Policy Institute, and on the other, store owners who sell hemp products, who are opposing the bill backed by the Common Group of Alabama.

“Interestingly, sometimes the far right and far left find common ground for different reasons,” Givhan observed. “We’re seeing that here. Some want less regulation; others want broader access.”

Representative Andy Whitt acknowledged the bill’s imperfections, stating, “No, it’s not perfect. But it’s a step forward and that’s reasonable.”

In a previous March appearance on the same show, Givhan pointed out the increasing number of THC-related DUIs in the state as a key reason for the need for regulation surrounding THC products.