Hemp Stakeholder Action Guide
Objective
This guide provides stakeholders with clear action steps to push for legislative amendments that repeal restrictive measures from Senate Bill 494 and restore protections for Georgia’s hemp industry.
Step 1: Direct Engagement with Legislators
A. In-Person Meetings
Identify key legislators with hemp businesses in their districts—schedule direct discussions.
Present hard data on the economic harm of SB 494, focusing on job losses and revenue impact.
Bring affected business owners to testify in meetings about their struggles under new restrictions.
B. Constituent Call Campaign
Organize a call-in day, encouraging business owners and consumers to flood legislators’ offices with phone calls instead of emails.
Use a simple call script (provided in this guide) to keep messages clear and persuasive.
Follow up with legislators to track responses and accountability.
Step 2: Public Awareness & Media Advocacy
A. Mobilizing Public Support
Organize town hall meetings with local officials and business leaders to discuss policy solutions.
Activate consumer advocacy, encouraging the public to demand fair hemp regulations.
Share impact stories from business owners hurt by SB 494 on social media and news platforms.
B. Press & Media Strategy
Issue press releases to highlight how SB 494 has devastated hemp retailers and farmers.
Engage journalists and cannabis policy writers to cover the industry’s struggles.
Create viral social media campaigns encouraging public engagement with advocacy efforts.
Step 3: Legislative Amendment Proposals
Stakeholders will present proposed amendments aimed at restoring the hemp industry:
Repeal the ban on smokable hemp flower, allowing retailers to provide legal alternatives.
Adjust THC limits for hemp-derived cannabinoids, removing unreasonable restrictions.
Reduce licensing barriers for small businesses to ensure fair competition.
Step 4: Stakeholder Commitment & Action
Assign roles among stakeholders—advocates, business owners, and consumers—to carry out outreach efforts.
Set legislative meeting dates and ensure businesses are represented in advocacy discussions.
Coordinate follow-ups with legislators to track progress and push amendments forward.
Constituent Call Script for Hemp Industry Advocacy
Step 1: Introduction “Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a [business owner/consumer/advocate] in your district. I’m calling today because Senate Bill 494 has caused serious harm to Georgia’s hemp industry, and we need legislative action to correct it.”
Step 2: The Issue “As you may know, SB 494 has led to an 80% drop in sales for hemp businesses and has forced many retailers to close. Small businesses, farmers, and consumers are suffering under unnecessary product bans and THC restrictions that hurt our local economy.”
Step 3: Call to Action “We need lawmakers like you to support amendments that restore industry protections, including:
Repealing the ban on smokable hemp flower, allowing legal access for consumers.
Adjusting THC limits for hemp-derived cannabinoids to prevent overregulation.
Reducing licensing barriers to help small businesses compete and recover.”
Step 4: Closing Statement “I urge you to meet with industry stakeholders and support these necessary changes. Can I count on you to advocate for fair hemp policies that protect local businesses and consumers? We would appreciate your leadership in correcting this imbalance.”