STOP THE HEMP BAN!

Learn how the Federal Hemp Ban Hurts Virginia’s Small Hemp Businesses 

The proposed federal hemp ban would outlaw nearly all hemp-derived products by redefining legal hemp to include total THC, wiping out the very products that keep small businesses alive. This hits Virginia especially hard: farmers lose their crops, retailers lose 99% of their inventory, and thousands of jobs vanish overnight. Small operators don’t have the financial cushion that big corporations do — one policy change can shut their doors for good. Consumers who rely on these products for wellness would lose safe, regulated access and be pushed into the black market. In short, the ban doesn’t regulate the industry — it destroys it.

 

 

 

 

Actions Supporters Can Take: 

Supporters can fight back by contacting their elected officials and telling them to oppose any federal language that bans hemp-derived products. Sharing personal stories and spreading awareness makes the issue harder for lawmakers to ignore. The most impactful action is continuing to shop with and support local hemp businesses — every purchase fuels their ability to survive this ban. Staying vocal, informed, and engaged helps protect small businesses, safeguard consumer access, and keep pressure on policymakers to reverse this harmful decision.

THANK YOU TO VIRGINIA'S MEDIA FOR COVERING THIS IMPORTANT STORY!

RVA MAG  | Virginia Hemp Industry Faces New Threat From McConnell's Amendment

12 On Your Side  |  Shutdown Legislation Threatens Virginia Hemp Industry

WRIC ABC 8  |  Virginia Hemp Growers Say Federal Hemp Ban Is "Devastating"

Support a Responsible & Thriving Hemp Industry—For Our Communities, Our Families, and America’s Future

 

America’s hemp industry is at a turning point. Recent legislative threats jeopardize not only the livelihoods of farmers and entrepreneurs, but also the economic well-being of local communities nationwide. Hemp is more than a crop—it’s a source of jobs, innovation, and sustainable solutions that uplift families and generate vital revenue for towns and cities across the country/

By signing this petition, you are declaring your support for a responsible and thriving hemp industry—one that values rigorous standards, protects children, unites stakeholders, and ensures every community shares in hemp’s economic benefits. Together, we can safeguard a bright future for this essential American industry.

Below is our "We the People of American Hemp Manifesto." Read it, share it, and add your name if you believe in a fair, safe, and prosperous path forward for hemp in America.

 

 “We the American Hemp People"

At this pivotal moment in our nation’s story, the American hemp industry stands at a crossroads. We are more than just farmers, entrepreneurs, and advocates—we are stewards of a plant that sustains livelihoods, strengthens communities, and offers hope for a more sustainable future. As misguided efforts threaten our progress, we unite behind these principles not just to protect an industry, but to honor the hard work, innovation, and freedom that define the American spirit. This manifesto is our rallying cry to preserve hemp’s promise for generations, to safeguard those who depend on it today, and to ensure the voices of workers, families, and communities are heard in the halls of power. Let us stand together—relentless, united, and unwavering—in defense of American hemp.

1. Defend American Farmers and Jobs
We fight for the right of American farmers and workers to grow, process, and sell hemp—preserving existing jobs and creating new opportunities in rural and urban communities.

2. Reject Prohibitionist Legislation
We stand firmly against any legislative language or regulatory moves, at any level, designed to ban or unduly restrict the cultivation, sale, or innovation of hemp and its products.

3. Demand Fair, Science-Based Regulation
We support sensible regulation that protects consumers without stifling innovation. Oversight must be rooted in science, not fear, politics, or special interests.

4. Protect Children and Vulnerable Populations
We advocate for industry standards that prohibit marketing to minors, enforce age limits (21+), and ensure plain, honest labeling to keep all consumers informed and safe.

5. Uphold Rigorous Quality Standards
We champion comprehensive product testing and transparent labeling to guarantee hemp products’ safety, purity, and authenticity.

6. Promote Unity Across the Industry
We commit to standing together—as growers, processors, retailers, brands, and advocates—refusing to sacrifice any hemp sector or segment for short-term gains.

7. Elevate Public Awareness and Education
We pledge to share accurate, positive stories about hemp’s economic, environmental, and health benefits—using all available channels to counter misinformation.

8. Engage and Hold Lawmakers Accountable
We call upon all stakeholders to engage with elected officials, demand transparent negotiations, and hold them accountable for their votes and public statements. 

9. Empower Grassroots Action and Local Voices
We believe that change starts locally. Grassroots action, local media outreach, and community organizing are essential to defending hemp’s rightful place in America.

10. Preserve Hemp’s Future for Generations
Our movement looks to the future—ensuring access, innovation, and sustainable growth in the hemp industry for generations to come.

VIEW / DOWNLOAD "We the American People of Hemp - 2025 Manifesto"

Let’s stand together—sign today and help secure a future where America’s hemp industry can grow, create jobs, and power our local economies responsibly.

 

🌿 Virginia Has Spoken Loud & Clear! Hemp Is Here to Stay

Across every corner of the Commonwealth — from Richmond to Roanoke, from the Tidewater to the Blue Ridge — Virginians are raising their voices in unity. They’re farmers, veterans, nurses, small-business owners, parents, and patients. Each one has a story, but their message is shared: Hemp and CBD are helping people live better lives and deserve protection, not punishment.

People are tired of seeing local businesses pushed aside for corporate interests. They want sensible laws that keep jobs in Virginia, let families thrive, and respect personal choice. Whether they use hemp for pain relief, mental health, or to build a livelihood, the message rings loud and clear:

Carrie Harrison (Gladys, VA): “We’ve worked too hard, for too long to build a business in this industry… We will not go down without a fight.”
This petition shows an overwhelming public demand for fairness, compassion, and common sense in how the state treats hemp. Virginians don’t want prohibition — they want progress. They’re asking leaders to support freedom, health, and local enterprise — and to trust the people who’ve built this industry with integrity and care."

 

1)  Support for Small Business & Local Farmers

People are speaking up for Virginia’s small hemp farms, shop owners, and local producers. They don’t want big corporations or heavy-handed laws pushing out honest, hardworking Virginians who built this industry from the ground up.

• Conner Parrish (Ashland, VA) – “I am against special interests and politicians destroying the hemp industry to monopolize the market. Farmers should be able to sell freely.”
• Brandi Conner (Mechanicsville, VA) – “The pandemic was tough enough; new restrictions will make it harder for small businesses to survive.”
• Evan Somogyi (Midlothian, VA) – “I employ over 20 people. If SB591 passes, I’ll have to shut down my stores and move out of state.”
• Carrie Harrison (Gladys, VA) – “We’ve worked too hard to build this business to have it ripped away by lawmakers who only care about big business.”
• Luke Greer (Purcellville, VA) – “Support small, farm-based business here in Virginia. We’re committed to safe, responsible products.”
• Robert Ujevic (Richmond, VA) – “It’s the best thing for consumers and small businesses in Virginia.”
• Paul Manuel (Boones Mill, VA) – “Hemp is great—veto this bill and protect Virginia small businesses!”

 

2) Health, Wellness & Real-Life Relief

Many Virginians depend on CBD and hemp to manage pain, anxiety, sleep problems, and chronic illness. They say these products give them their lives back—without addictive opioids or harsh pharmaceuticals.

• Brittany Hughes (Richmond, VA) – “This plant helps with my anxiety, sleep, energy, and pain. It even helped me stop taking blood-pressure medication.”
• Ruth Kusterer (Richmond, VA) – “We use CBD for health conditions and don’t want opioids. These products are safer and keep tax money in Virginia.”
• Stephanie Wray (Martinsville, VA) – “CBD helped me so much I was able to stop all prescription meds.”
• Christel Seidlitz (Richmond, VA) – “I’ve been able to stop pain meds and muscle relaxers—life-changing relief!”
• Chuck Patty (Virginia Beach, VA) – “CBD and hemp are the best pain relief I’ve found after multiple surgeries.”
• Sharon Kitchens (Richmond, VA) – “It’s the only safe thing that helps my chronic insomnia. Quality sleep is vital.”
• Devon Rowland (Mechanicsville, VA) – “THC gummies relieve my pain better than prescriptions. Banning them would hurt people like me.”
• Jean Flynn (Machipongo, VA) – “CBD healed me in so many ways. I’m a small farmer, and I support other local farms too.”

 

3) Opposition to SB 591 & Government Overreach

People see SB 591 as unnecessary red tape—hurting small businesses and patients while protecting big corporate interests. They’re frustrated that government leaders are making hemp laws stricter than federal ones.

• Charles Steadman (Richmond, VA) – “This is a backwards law that hurts farmers and limits access to local CBD.”
• Alexander Mann (Marshall, VA) – “This bill is full of misinformation and fear-mongering. It’ll destroy small Virginia businesses.”
• Philip Freiseis (Midlothian, VA) – “Here’s a chance for Republicans to cut government overreach—let the free market reign.”
• Tyson Daniel (Roanoke, VA) – “We need a clear framework, not one that’s more restrictive than federal law.”
• Justin Sharma (Chesterfield, VA) – “Go after fentanyl and opioids, not hemp. This law will waste money and jobs.”
• Kit Churchman (Richmond, VA) – “Because—seriously—government overreach!”
• Logan Grogg (Stafford, VA) – “That law is BS.”

 

4) Personal Stories & Life Impact

These are real-world stories from people whose health, family, or livelihood depends on hemp. Their comments show how deeply this issue affects everyday lives.

• David Hackett (Hampton, VA) – “I sank every penny into this business. This bill would take food from my kids’ mouths.”
• Allyson Wyld (Leesburg, VA) – “CBD helped me live again after autoimmune disease. This bill would destroy lives, jobs, and health.”
• John Lolly (Mechanicsville, VA) – “Helps me sleep—never slept better.”
• J.C. Bean (McLean, VA) – “I’m 77 and disabled from 9/11 injuries. CBD oil is the only thing that eases my pain.”
• Michelle Harris (Stafford, VA) – “I have rheumatoid arthritis and epilepsy. CBD helps without side effects.”
• Laurrie Lolly (Mechanicsville, VA) – “I’m allergic to narcotics; CBD got me through surgery recovery.”
   

 

5) Fairness, Freedom & Common Sense

For many signers, this isn’t just about hemp—it’s about fairness, personal choice, and common sense. They question why something safer than alcohol or tobacco should be punished instead of supported.

• Renard Turner (Gordonsville, VA) – “Why single out hemp? Wineries and breweries thrive—hemp should too.”
• Mark Roach (VA) – “I’m a conservative and a cannabis consumer. It’s safer than alcohol and should be legal.”
• Katherine Harris (Richmond, VA) – “CBD changes lives for the better. This is a chance for Youngkin to show he cares.”
• Michael Williams (Richmond, VA) – “I believe in freedom of choice.”
• Nathan Fortune (Williamsburg, VA) – “It’s a plant that hasn’t killed anyone—ban nicotine instead.”
• William Ward (VA) – “Let’s move forward, not backward. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy.”

 

6) Frustration with Political Hypocrisy & Corporate Influence

Many feel betrayed by leaders they thought would defend small business and freedom. They believe lobbyists and corporate money—not citizens—are driving policy.

• Sue Nguyen (Fairfax, VA) – “We voted for Youngkin thinking he’d help small business, but greed took over.”
• Brian Schumann (United States) – “This is happening because of Big Pharma and Philip Morris.”
• Veritas Aequitas (United States) – “Big Business keeps stomping on small ones. Lobbying is legalized bribery.”
• Charles Gleek (Charlottesville, VA) – “This bill privileges corporate conglomerates over local farmers—it’s un-American.”
• Carrie Harrison (Gladys, VA) – “Lawmakers clearly have no idea what it takes to run a small farm.”

 

7)  Calls to Action & Hope for Change

People aren’t giving up—they’re urging leaders to veto restrictive laws and protect what they’ve built. There’s frustration, but also hope and determination.

• April Collini (Pembroke, VA) – “Veto and save our business. Keep tax revenue in our communities!”
• Frank Hellwig (United States) – “This bill is driven by greed and nobody wants it.”
• Tim Rose (Crozet, VA) – “Hemp makes sense.”
• Betty Oppel (Fredericksburg, VA) – “I am against SB591!”
• Sara Shifflette (Alexandria, VA) – “Keep Virginia hemp growing. It creates jobs, revenue, and pride for our state.”
• Erika Middleton (Richmond, VA) – “As a nurse and business owner, I’ve seen hemp help so many. Please think about the people you’re hurting.”

 

8) Out-of-State Allies & Industry Voices

Support extends beyond Virginia. Customers, veterans, healthcare professionals, and farmers nationwide are rooting for Virginia to stay a leader in responsible hemp production.

• Chris Boucher (Laguna Beach, CA) – “The worst hemp law ever proposed—it violates the 2018 Farm Bill.
• Lori Boyce (Farmington Hills, MI) – “Full-spectrum CBD is a safe, non-addictive alternative to opioids.”
• Misty Burke (Temple, TX) – “CBD helps people with pain and insomnia—it should be available to all adults.”
• Steven Luke (Thurmont, MD) – “There’s more to hemp than CBD—it’s part of American agriculture.”
• Kate Dean (Saint Louis, MO) – “I’ve seen hemp change lives. People rely on it as real medicine.”