Talking Points
Talking Points
By: Theresa Yarbrough
These are the dedicated individuals who invested in their dreams but were blindsided before they could see any return on their hard work and investment. They’re barely managing to stay afloat, but they’re determined to hang on as long as they can.
Current Reality:
Struggling to recover investments due to the impact of SB 494.
Operating on thin margins with limited capacity to take risks or reinvest in their businesses.
Potential Role in the Movement:
Open to hearing practical solutions that can provide hope and a clear path forward.
While not in a position to lead the charge alone, they are willing to join collective efforts that offer them a fighting chance.
Can contribute smaller, manageable amounts to fund campaigns and legislative actions.
Call to Action:
“Your contribution, no matter the size, fuels a greater cause. Together, we can ensure your efforts and sacrifices were not in vain.”
“By joining forces with others, you become part of a larger movement working to restore fairness and opportunity in Georgia’s hemp industry.”
“Even volunteering time or lending your voice helps strengthen the fight for your livelihood and the future of independent hemp retailers.”
Their courage to persevere can inspire others in the industry. Through unity and shared effort, we can push back against the obstacles and secure a better future for all.
Talking Points for Hemp Retail Stores Positioned to Thrive Post SB 494
These businesses are uniquely poised to pivot and flourish despite the challenges posed by SB 494. Their adaptability and ability to innovate set them apart, but their continued success depends on resisting harmful legislation now.
Adapting for Survival:
Transitioning toward wellness-centered branding by emphasizing hemp as part of healthy living and natural remedies.
Creating experiential spaces like community lounges to foster customer engagement and loyalty while offering value beyond products.
Exploring opportunities like podcasting or hosting events to amplify their brand presence and educate the public.
“Accountability and transparency in how you operate today will influence your positioning and transition in tomorrow’s cannabis markets. Now is the time to act and ensure your business is not left behind in this evolving industry.”
“Accountability and transparency in how you operate today will influence your positioning in and transition in tomorrow’s cannabis markets.”
Building a Positive, Accountable Brand: “Your brand has the power to represent resilience and ethical entrepreneurship in Georgia’s hemp industry—setting yourself apart as a leader who stands for the values of fairness, transparency, and community. This identity not only wins customer loyalty but prepares you for broader opportunities if marijuana markets open up.
But make no mistake: those markets will open—but not to you unless you take action now. Without buying in or earning your place, as corporate marijuana businesses have, you’ll risk being sidelined when legislators and lobbyists make their next moves. Standing firm today ensures you’re not left behind in the industry of tomorrow.
Strategic Vision:
Resisting laws that harm small businesses is critical to ensuring independent retailers are included when broader marijuana markets emerge.
Corporate marijuana interests will likely push for marijuana flower legalization in 2026—this represents a crucial moment to ensure your voice is part of the green rush.
Standing your ground now and joining collective efforts will show legislators and lobbyists that independent hemp businesses are a powerful force.
Call to Action:
“Invest in the future by defending your business today. Supporting repeal efforts protects your ability to thrive in the current hemp market and positions you for success in broader cannabis opportunities.”
“Convince corporate marijuana interests to invest in funding resistance efforts by demonstrating we can win the repeal—and showing them why independent hemp retailers matter in Georgia’s cannabis landscape.”
These businesses have the potential to lead by example, fostering innovation and strengthening the community. Together, through unity and strategic action, we can ensure their growth and protect the diversity of Georgia’s hemp and cannabis industry.
Presentation Outline for April 26th Meeting
1. Welcome & Opening Remarks
Greet attendees and acknowledge their dedication to the industry.
Set the tone: “This meeting is not just about talk; it’s about decisive action to shape the future of Georgia’s hemp industry.”
2. The Current Landscape: Why We’re Here
Brief Overview of SB 494’s Impact: Highlight how it has disrupted businesses, focusing on key statistics or stories that illustrate the challenges.
The Threat Ahead: Explain the long-term risks if corporate lobbyists gain control and independent hemp businesses are sidelined.
3. A Vision for the Future
Present the idea of an industry that thrives on fairness, collaboration, and innovation.
Emphasize the importance of collective resistance to harmful legislation.
4. Talking Points for Each Stakeholder Group
Tailor messaging for:
Very Small Hemp Retailers: Highlight their resilience and importance in the fight, using the refined points we discussed earlier.
Hemp Retail Stores with Growth Potential: Focus on their adaptability, potential for success, and the broader opportunity to influence the cannabis market.
Other groups, if relevant (e.g., attorneys, legislators, larger business owners).
5. Strategic Roadmap
Petition Update: Share progress and rally support for amplifying its reach.
Next Steps for Resistance:
Legal defense initiatives.
Advocacy strategies targeting legislators.
Emphasize the collective power of small contributions and volunteerism.
6. Call to Action
Invite attendees to pledge their commitment—whether through funding, volunteering, or simply amplifying the message.
Stress that the time to act is now and that their participation is critical.
7. Closing Remarks
Reiterate the importance of unity and thank them for their dedication.
Closing Remark: “The future of hemp in Georgia is in our hands. Together, we can secure our freedom to compete and thrive in the industry we’ve built.”
Focus on Collective Action, Not Individual Burden:
Emphasize that the goal is for everyone to contribute what they can, whether through time, resources, or effort, rather than asking for large financial commitments upfront.
Highlight examples of how small contributions, when combined, create substantial impact.
Transparency is Key:
Present a clear breakdown of what funding is needed, how it will be used, and why it’s vital for the repeal effort. Transparency builds credibility and trust.
Share updates on the progress of the petition and other efforts to show that their contributions are making a difference.
Create a Sense of Shared Victory:
Make it clear that repealing SB 494 benefits everyone—not just a select few. Position this as an investment in their future and the industry’s survival.
Celebrate the power of community and collaboration, reinforcing that this is about safeguarding the livelihoods of all hemp business owners.
Offer Accessible Ways to Participate:
Not everyone can contribute financially, but they might be willing to volunteer their time, amplify your message, or help organize events.
Provide multiple options for involvement, so everyone feels they can contribute meaningfully.
. Community Outreach Campaigns
Petition Drives:
Set up in-person petition signing events at hemp retail stores, wellness fairs, or community centers.
Encourage businesses to display QR codes linking to the petition, making it easy for customers to sign on-site.
Volunteers can take to busy public areas with iPads or printed forms to gather signatures.
Educational Workshops:
Host workshops to inform people about SB 494, its impact, and the importance of the Repeal Act. Knowledge empowers action.
Provide attendees with clear instructions on how to advocate for the cause, including emailing legislators or sharing the petition online.
2. Local Business Partnerships
Partner with local hemp stores, wellness shops, and cannabis community hubs to promote the cause.
Create “Support Repeal” promotional materials (flyers, posters, merchandise) that businesses can display or distribute to customers.
Offer businesses an opportunity to host informational events or pop-ups to raise awareness.
3. Social Media Mobilization
Encourage community members to create and share short videos or posts about why they support the repeal.
Use a unified hashtag (e.g., #RepealSB494, #HempFreedomGA) to boost visibility.
Spotlight personal stories from small business owners affected by the legislation to inspire empathy and action.
Host live Q&A sessions on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube featuring industry leaders and advocates discussing the Repeal Act.
Run challenges or giveaways for those who share the petition most widely or recruit the highest number of new signatories.
4. Grassroots Advocacy
Organize letter-writing or email campaigns targeting legislators, urging them to support the Repeal Act.
Provide templates for emails or letters to make it easy for participants to take action.
Create a “Call Your Legislator Day,” where community members commit to making calls to representatives to voice their support.
5. Volunteer Engagement
Recruit volunteers to distribute materials, host events, and spread the word.
Assign specific roles such as social media ambassadors, event organizers, or community liaisons to keep volunteers engaged and empowered.
6. Public Events and Activism
Host rallies or peaceful protests to raise awareness and garner media attention.
Schedule town hall meetings or forums where the cannabis community can voice their concerns directly to policymakers.
7. Influencer and Leader Endorsements
Partner with local influencers, wellness advocates, and cannabis community leaders to endorse the petition and Repeal Act.
Ask them to share messages of support on social media or at public events.
8. Community Engagement Rewards
Create a recognition system for active participants, such as featuring their names on your website or offering small thank-you gifts (e.g., stickers, pins, or branded hemp products).
This fosters a sense of belonging and appreciation within the movement.