As a supporter of responsible cannabis policy and data-driven reform, I believe it's time to reevaluate how Alabama addresses nonviolent marijuana related offenses. Incarcerating individuals for actions tied to a plant that is legal and regulated in many other states places an unnecessary burden on our justice system, our communities, and Alabama taxpayers.

Criminalizing hemp has been shown to contribute to long-term social and economic harm, while simultaneously fueling a costly and profit-driven prison industry. Instead, our focus should be on policies that strengthen public safety, reduce wasteful spending, and redirect resources toward education, healthcare, and economic development.

This petition will be officially submitted under Rule 880-X-2A-.08  -  Petitions To Initiate Rulemaking once we have exceeded our signature goals and finished compiling strong empirical data showing the relationship between hemp criminalization, incarceration rates, state expenditures, tax revenue, and public education funding. 

 
On July 1, 2025, Alabama enacted House Bill 445, which unjustly classifies the possession or sale of smokable hemp as a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. In comparison Heroine is a lesser Class D Felony. 

This move not only criminalizes a widely accepted natural product but also redirects state resources away from critical services to fund the incarceration of nonviolent offenders. This is a troubling development, particularly when multiple states have recognized the economic and social benefits of hemp legalization and regulation.

The correlation between this law and the expansion of private prisons is alarming. It raises questions about the influence of lobbying efforts by the private prison industry, which stands to profit from increased incarceration rates. 

Currently, Alabama taxpayers are bearing the burden of a $1.2 billion construction bill for new privately operated prison facilities. Once operational, these prisons will continue to receive public funding based on the number of incarcerated individuals, creating a financial incentive to expand incarceration rather than reduce it.

According to available data, the cost per inmate was approximately $14,500 in 2015, and Alabama was already spending close to $500 million annually on incarceration as of 2010. These figures have undoubtedly increased and are expected to grow further with the expansion of prison infrastructure, especially if policies continue to target non-violent offenders.

Beyond the direct cost to taxpayers, there is also a broader economic concern: private prisons can undercut fair labor standards by using low-cost inmate labor, reducing available jobs and wages in the open market. This creates a system where taxpayer dollars fund not only incarceration but also economic displacement, all while failing to address the root causes of crime or provide pathways to rehabilitation.

This is not a partisan issue—it’s a question of fiscal responsibility, public safety, and moral accountability. We must ensure our policies reflect smart investment in people, not expanding dependence on incarceration for profit.

Moreover, reallocation of taxpayer resources to penalize individuals for hemp while ignoring critical areas like education and public health reveals a mismanagement of priorities. States that have adopted more progressive marijuana laws report higher tax revenues that fund essential public sectors, showing a path Alabama could take that fosters both economic growth and social justice.

Governor Kay Ivey, Members of the Alabama State Legislature, and the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board must listen to the citizens they serve and repeal the Smokable Hemp Felony Provision within HB 445. Additionally, an investigation into potential lobbying influences behind this law is crucial to ensure transparency and uphold democratic integrity.

Sign this petition to demand immediate action against HB 445 and advocate for a future where Alabama prioritizes its citizens' welfare over unjust legislative practices.