Hemp Hysteria in Alabama? Givhan Sounds Off!

State Senator Sam Givhan recently chopped it up on WVNN's "The Dale Jackson Show" about the new hemp law. Governor Ivey put pen to paper, but not without a rumble! This bill, aiming to control hemp product sales, sparked a real tug-of-war in the legislature.

Caught in the Crossfire

Givhan spilled the tea, saying, "I know that they were getting a lot of heat from both directions." Seems like folks were either screaming for stricter rules or claiming it was overkill.

The Abstention Explanation

Here's the kicker: Givhan, originally on board, ended up sitting this vote out! Why? An amendment slipped in, allowing these products in grocery stores. "I got mad about that amendment," he admitted. He couldn't back something he felt was a mistake, but didn't want to oppose something he'd pushed so hard for. Tricky situation!

Strange Bedfellows?

Givhan pointed out an odd alliance: groups like the Alabama Policy Institute (usually conservative) found themselves in the same corner as THC users and hemp shop owners, all fighting against the bill! "The far right and the far left converge for totally different reasons," Givhan explained. Talk about a plot twist!

Imperfect Progress

"Rep. Andy Whitt said the bill isn’t perfect. No, it’s not. But it’s what could pass, and it’s a reasonable step.” It sounds like compromise was the name of the game in Montgomery.

DUI Concerns

Back in March, Givhan mentioned a rise in THC-related DUIs as a key reason for getting these products under control. Looks like the debate on hemp in Alabama is far from over!