Statement from the Alabama Cannabis Industry Association (Alabama CIA) and the Alabama Hemp Industry Trade Association (Alabama HIT)

October 16, 2025 - CULLMAN, AL - In light of recent media coverage regarding political endorsements by Facebook advocacy groups, the Alabama Cannabis Industry Association (Alabama CIA) and the Alabama Hemp Industry Trade Association (Alabama HIT) wish to clarify their distinct and independent missions within Alabama's cannabis and hemp sectors.

Both Alabama CIA and Alabama HIT are federally recognized 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional business leagues, and are nonpartisan and nonpolitical; we do not endorse or oppose candidates for public office. Our political action committee - PAC is NOT a Facebook group.

Our mission is to:

Represent and advance the business, agricultural, and professional interests of Alabama's Cannabis and Hemp industries.

Provide education, compliance resources, and policy guidance to ensure the safe, ethical, and sustainable growth of these markets.

Advocate for fair regulation, economic opportunity, and innovation within the framework of existing federal and state law.

Alabama CIA and Alabama HIT operate independently from their respective political action committee - PAC. Neither were consulted or made aware of political endorsements by Facebook advocacy groups.

Our focus remains on industry development, economic empowerment, and responsible regulation that benefit Alabama farmers, small businesses, and consumers alike.

For additional information or media inquiries, please contact:

📞 205-644-1824

Official Statement – October 17, 2025

The Alabama Cannabis Industry Association (Alabama CIA) and the Alabama Hemp Industry Trade Association (Alabama HIT) would like to clarify that we are independent, nonpartisan 501(c)(6) nonprofit business leagues.

We are not affiliated with the Alabama Cannabis Coalition, Alabama Republicans Against Marijuana Prohibition, or any other political advocacy groups. Our organizations do not endorse political candidates, and operate separate from our Political action committee - PAC.

Our work focuses on:

Strengthening Alabama's cannabis and hemp industries through education, compliance, and economic development.

Supporting farmers, business owners, and professionals through fair-market policies and responsible regulation.

Promoting growth and sustainability across the state's emerging cannabis economy.

We respect all voices in the ongoing conversation about reform, but our mission remains industry-centered and nonpolitical.

📞 Media inquiries: 205-644-1824