“Smoke-Out” Protest Erupts on Alabama Capitol Steps as Lawmakers Target Hemp

Alabama activists lit up in a bold protest after the state legislature passed HB 445—slated to ban smokable hemp and high-potency gummies.

Triggering the protest

On June 28, hemp advocates gathered at the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery to openly smoke legal hemp products. The move was a direct response to HB 445, a new bill designed to prohibit smokable hemp and potent edible forms starting this fall. It was timed for 4:20 p.m., nodding to cannabis culture.

Symbolic smoke-out

The event was peaceful but unequivocal. Demonstrators lit joints and vapes right on the Capitol steps to dramatize the impact of the upcoming ban. It drew attention locally and online, sparking conversation across social media. ()

What HB 445 entails

HB 445 would outlaw smokable hemp flower and concentrates, alongside gummies exceeding certain THC levels. While medical cannabis remains legal, recreational use—even of legal hemp—would face new restrictions.

Public opinion and industry concerns

While broader cannabis is illegal in Alabama—with only limited medical access—this new law blocks legal hemp advocates from using low-THC products. Critics argue it’s a step backward, infringing on personal liberties and threatening nascent hemp businesses. ()

Next steps and legal backdrop

HB 445 now heads to the governor’s desk for expected signature before implementation. Affected stakeholders—including farmers, retailers, and consumers—may pursue legal challenges, citing medical marijuana legislation and recent trends toward hemp normalization.