Birmingham mayor wants Kay Ivey to call a special session to fix this ‘broken’ Alabama law
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has expressed strong opposition to Alabama’s new hemp legislation, HB445, urging Governor Kay Ivey to intervene. Woodfin criticized the law, which will restrict smokable hemp and high-potency THC products starting July 1, claiming it could jeopardize hundreds of businesses and reverse progress in economic opportunity. He called on Ivey to follow Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s example, who recently vetoed a similar bill in Texas.
Woodfin described the Alabama law as “broken” and emphasized the need for immediate correction. He highlighted the contradiction of allowing businesses to sell hemp flowers now, only for it to become illegal in a few weeks. Critics, including Christian Butts, owner of Seedless Greens, echoed his concerns, questioning the implications of the bill on legal agreements they already have with the state.
The law will categorize hemp-derived products under the regulation of the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and impose a 10% tax, while also establishing stringent new requirements for packaging, labeling, and penalties for violations. While proponents argue that the bill aims to enhance public safety, Woodfin contended it would burden law enforcement and hurt local economies instead. He stressed that Alabama “deserves better” and urged swift action to amend the law before it goes into effect.
Read the complete article here: https://www.al.com/politics/2025/06/birmingham-mayor-wants-kay-ivey-to-call-a-special-session-to-fix-this-broken-alabama-law.html
