hemp stakeholders strategy session – GA Cannabis Industry Alliance

Subject: Stakeholders’ Strategy Session: Addressing the Hemp Product Ban

Dear Stakeholders,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you about a critical issue that affects us all. Recently, the Georgia legislature enacted a ban (SB 494) on certain hemp products. This ban poses a significant threat to our industry and the livelihoods of many.

Many of the larger hemp wholesalers, distributors, and retailers recently met to discuss filing a lawsuit against the state of Georgia and the Department of Agriculture, which has been weaponized to enforce this unjust ban. The lawsuit aims to obtain an injunction on the ban and repeal the law. However, some business owners are now unsure if this is the right action to take due to fears of repercussions during the next legislative session.

The reality is this; if we do not challenge this unjust law, we risk sending a message that we are willing to accept unfair treatment and monopolistic practices. This is not just about one ban; it is about the future of our industry and the principles of fairness and competition. If we remain silent, we allow these legislators to believe they can impose such bans without any counteraction from the affected cannabis sector.

As the Director of the Georgia Cannabis Industry Alliance (GA CIA), a pro bono activist organization for the GA cannabis community, it is my responsibility to lead our community in the right direction. This is why I will be filing a lawsuit against the state of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Agriculture. I am asking that you join me in this lawsuit and show our unwavering commitment to challenging and overturning bad legislation. We must come together and demonstrate that we will not be silenced or intimidated. Our industry’s future depends on our willingness to take a stand.

To address this urgent matter, I am calling a Stakeholders’ Strategy Session on Saturday, Nov.23rd. Please note that this meeting is not a solicitation for attorney funding. This meeting will provide a crucial platform for us to discuss the implications of the ban, formulate our legal strategy, and unite in our efforts to protect our industry and our rights.

So let’s unite and show our unwavering commitment to protecting our industry and our rights. Together, we can challenge and overturn bad legislation.

To ensure a productive and focused discussion during our upcoming Stakeholders’ Strategy Session, we are implementing a request to attend process. This session is crucial for addressing the recent hemp product ban and strategizing our collective response. It is essential that we have dedicated and legitimate business stakeholders present to contribute meaningfully to our efforts.

By requiring a request to attend, we aim to:

Ensure Constructive Participation: We want to create an environment where all attendees are committed to the cause and can provide valuable insights and support.

Maintain Focus: This process helps us keep the session focused on actionable strategies and solutions, free from disruptions.

Protect Our Interests: By verifying attendees, we can safeguard our discussions from those who might not have the best interests of the industry at heart.

Please complete the attached form to request attendance. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as we work together to protect and advance our industry.