Democratic gubernatorial candidate Will Boyd has received the endorsement of the Alabama Cannabis Coalition, a grassroots advocacy group that has led efforts to reform cannabis laws across the state. The announcement came as Boyd unveiled his proposed “Hybrid Hemp Plan,” a sweeping strategy aimed at rolling back Alabama’s hemp ban and expanding access to cannabis-derived products.
“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 and cannabis,” said H. Marty Schelper, founder of the Alabama Cannabis Coalition. Schelper praised Boyd’s willingness to champion reform and stand up for patients, small businesses and veterans whose livelihoods and health have been impacted by recent legislation.
“This endorsement means a great deal to me,” Boyd said. “The Coalition has fought tirelessly for patients, veterans, small business owners, and families across our state—often without thanks. I’m proud to stand with them, and I’m ready to get to work.”
Boyd’s announcement follows months of controversy over the Alabama Legislature’s crackdown on hemp-derived products, including a bill passed by the House earlier this year that effectively banned smokable hemp and heavily restricted sales of popular cannabidiol (CBD) and Delta THC products. Boyd called the move a betrayal of science and small business, and a blow to personal freedom.
“What happened in the Alabama House with the hemp-derived product ban wasn’t just bad policy—it was a direct hit to farmers, patients, veterans, and our economy,” Boyd said. “It ignored science and punished small businesses while silencing the will of the people. As governor, I will not let that stand.”
As part of his platform, Boyd is proposing a multifaceted plan that includes legislative repeal of the smokable hemp ban, adjusting THC limits, restoring online sales, and reducing regulatory barriers to entry for hemp businesses. He also vowed to direct state agencies to revise enforcement guidelines, pursue legal challenges modeled after successful lawsuits in Texas, Indiana and New York, and organize a broad coalition of advocates to influence lawmakers and push reform forward.
“I believe in personal freedom—and that includes the freedom to seek relief through plant-based medicine, to run a small business without government overreach, and to make decisions for your own body and health,” Boyd said. “If being a voice of reason means standing up for what’s right, even when it’s not popular—then I’ll be that voice for all of Alabama as governor.”
Boyd’s proposal also includes a commitment to issue pardons for low-level marijuana offenses and to support efforts for expungement and record sealing. He said he would push the Legislature to allow citizens to vote directly on cannabis policy through a ballot initiative—and, if lawmakers refuse, he would call a special session to force the conversation.
“This plan is more than a policy—it’s a promise,” said Boyd. “A promise to use every tool I’ll have if elected governor—legislative leadership, executive authority, legal action, and grassroots organizing—to end this ban and deliver real reform. This isn’t just about hemp—it’s about healing, freedom, and building a future where Alabama finally puts people first.”
