Alabama Cannabis Coalition endorses Will Boyd for Governor

July 23, 2025 – OPELIKA, AL - The Alabama Cannabis Coalition announced that we have endorsed Democrat Dr. Will Boyd for Governor of the state of Alabama.

"We are so grateful to finally have a voice of reason for the freedom of the citizens of Alabama to have "legal" access to Hemp/Cannabis in Alabama," the grassroots cannabis groups said in a statement. "We have a long road to 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL but we are inspired , committed and we hope to inspire the citizens of Alabama to finally stand up, speak out and demand to be heard."

The endorsement is a rare setback to Republican gubernatorial U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), who until now had been landing all of the significant endorsements in the state.

The Alabama Cannabis Coalition is still upset that the Alabama Legislature ignored all their pleas and passed controversial HB445 to tax and heavily regulate psychoactive cannabinoids in the state. That combined with the legal morass that has stalled Alabama's efforts to bring medical marijuana program into fruition has troubled many cannabis activists.

The Alabama Cannabis Coalition wants to legalize recreational marijuana – a policy that has historically been dead on arrival in the Alabama Legislature.

Dr. Will Boyd thanked the activist group run by Marty Schleper for the endorsement.

"On behalf of myself and the entire campaign team, thank you to the Alabama Cannabis Coalition for your powerful endorsement," Rev. Boyd said. "We are deeply honored to have earned your trust and support in our shared fight for justice, smart cannabis reform, and a better, more equitable Alabama. We believe the time is now to end outdated and discriminatory policies - and to build a future where medicine, freedom, and opportunity are available to all."

"We look forward to working together with the Alabama Cannabis Coalition and advocates across this great state to make meaningful progress," Boyd said. "Together, Alabama can. Alabama WILL.'

Boyd is a Florence area pastor. He was the 2022 Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate – ultimately losing to former BCA President Katie Boyd Britt in the general election. He was also the Democratic nominee for Lt. Governor in 2018, ultimately losing to State Representative Will Ainsworth (R) in the general election. Body also ran U.S. Senate in 2017 but lost to former U.S. Attorney Doug Jones in the Democratic primary. He also ran for Congress in 2016 but lost to incumbent Congressman Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) in the general election.

Boyd faces a crowded Democratic primary field with Chad "Chig" Martin and Ja'Mel Brown.

No Democrat has won a gubernatorial election since 1998.

The Democratic primary will be on May 19, 2026.

To comment or ask a question contact the author at brandonmreporter@gmail.com