Georgia Hemp Industry Legislative Amendment Proposal

Presented by the Georgia Cannabis Industry Alliance (GA CIA)

Objective

This proposal seeks to amend Senate Bill 494, ensuring fair regulations for hemp businesses while correcting market imbalances caused by SB 220 and SB 420. Our goal is to protect the economic viability of Georgia’s hemp industry and restore consumer access to legal hemp-derived products.

Key Amendment Proposals & Justifications

1. Repeal the Ban on Smokable Hemp Flower

Current Issue:

SB 494 prohibits smokable hemp flower, significantly limiting consumer choice and forcing businesses to sell only processed hemp products. This has led to economic losses and market instability.

Proposed Amendment:

✅ Allow regulated sales of smokable hemp flower, ensuring proper oversight and taxation.

✅ Implement reasonable purity and safety standards without an outright ban.

✅ Maintain age restrictions to ensure responsible use while allowing adult consumers legal access.

2. Adjust THC Limits for Hemp-Derived Products

Current Issue:

SB 420 imposed harsh THC restrictions on hemp-derived cannabinoids, capping gummies at 10 mg per serving, tinctures at 1 mg per milliliter, and banning THC-infused drinks entirely. These regulations have hurt retailers and driven consumers to out-of-state markets.

Proposed Amendment:

✅ Revise THC limits to align with standard industry practices and reasonable safety guidelines.

✅ Establish scientific-based dosage regulations, preventing arbitrary restrictions.

✅ Permit THC-infused beverages, ensuring safe regulation rather than a full ban.

3. Reduce Licensing Barriers & Compliance Costs

Current Issue:

SB 494 increased compliance costs and restricted licensing pathways, making it difficult for small hemp businesses to operate and compete.

Proposed Amendment:

✅ Simplify licensing requirements for hemp retailers, allowing small businesses to survive and grow.

✅ Reduce excessive fees and regulatory hurdles that disproportionately impact independent operators.

✅ Ensure equal access to business opportunities, preventing monopolization by large corporations.

4. Ensure Equal Market Access for Hemp & Medical Cannabis

Current Issue:

SB 220 expanded medical cannabis access by raising THC limits from 5% to 50%, strengthening corporate marijuana while undermining hemp advocacy. This has led to an unbalanced market, harming small hemp businesses.

Proposed Amendment:

✅ Prevent industry bias by ensuring fair market access for both medical cannabis and hemp-derived products.

✅ Allow hemp industry representatives to participate in future cannabis policy discussions.

✅ Require economic impact assessments before passing future legislation affecting hemp businesses.

Strategic Action Steps for Legislative Advocacy

1. Engaging Political Leaders & Lawmakers

✔ Meet with legislators whose districts include hemp businesses and present economic impact data. ✔ Schedule town halls and forums for lawmakers to hear directly from hemp retailers and farmers. ✔ Leverage consumer advocacy pressure, encouraging voters to contact their representatives.

2. Mobilizing Stakeholders & Grassroots Support

✔ Organize a coalition of farmers, retailers, and distributors to present a unified industry stance. ✔ Educate consumers on the impact of SB 494, encouraging public participation in advocacy efforts. ✔ Use social media, press coverage, and online campaigns to generate momentum for policy amendments.

3. Direct Legislative & Public Advocacy Efforts

✔ Present testimony at hearings, ensuring policymakers hear directly from impacted business owners.

✔ Track voting records, holding legislators accountable for their stance on hemp regulation.

✔ Push for amendment adoption using legislative lobbying, petitions, and organized industry representation.

Next Steps for Stakeholders

• Stakeholders finalize amendment priorities, choosing the most effective proposals to pursue.

• GA CIA organizes advocacy meetings with legislators, ensuring industry representation in policy discussions.

• Coalition members commit to public outreach, spreading awareness and mobilizing consumer support.