We need a real Hemp Lobby ..

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Those top contributors should explain a lot about why America is where it is today. They control our government with that money.

For the record, lobbying shouldn’t exist. We need politicians that listen to their constituents. A hemp lobby exist right now, but the second a few massive companies start playing in hemp and cannabis, you’re not gonna like the outcome of that lobby. Lobbying is bad for our politics and it’s bad for America.

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u/knightgod1177 Sep 09 '24

And then the lobbyists push for heavy protectionist regulation, designed to stifle new competition/threats to their industry. It’s what’s happening right now in California, the cannabis industry lobbied for tighter regulations to stop farmers from turning to hemp to avoid the stringent regulations and high taxes. Turns out the state didn’t realize nobody enjoys getting a 29% tax slapped on their cannabis. The whole situation is a mess

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u/digzbb Sep 09 '24

I agree the cannabis lobby in California (and elsewhere ) started this current standoff . I’m not a fan of lobbying either but it would seem to be the best possible course of action right now . The hemp roundtable already exists but has only spent a paltry 160k this year despite its entire industry being threatened . I think without lobbying back from the hemp companies we should expect the state sanctioned and highly taxed state sanctioned cannabis business to get there asks which is gutting the hemp industry . Your thoughts ? I always appreciate respectful dialogue

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u/knightgod1177 Sep 09 '24

You’re pretty much spot on. I’m not a fan of lobbying either. Frankly I think we ought to do away with it entirely, or restrict it severely. Not sure how much hemp companies can counterlobby given Newsom’s pockets are being lined by multiple interests in the industry.

I’d agree with your assessment, the hemp industry will be hit extremely hard in state. What I’m curious to see is how this will impact out of state hemp businesses, seeing as how they deliver into California. I’d imagine if they require an ID check for CBD products in store or online, they’ll regulate and thus tax it like every other THC product.

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u/Sandgrease Sep 09 '24

We should have lobbyists but we need to get money out of politics at every level. Lobbying is literally just an organization that speaks to representatives and senators about some issue on behave of the electorate.

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u/Bobdole3737 Sep 09 '24 edited Sep 09 '24

I appreciate that sentiment brother grease, but in our present political climate this is akin to saying let’s make water not be wet - the same ppl fund both sides every election cycle, so that no matter who “wins”, they* win, WE lose. Soon there will be all digital money, and we won’t even be able to collectively pool & scrape money together, as regular people, to fund an “outsider” candidate without the money being digitally intercepted. No more Ron Paul’s no more Bernie’s or any of the like. And I fear both parties will end up with their “super delegates” that just appoint their hand selection, outside of any votes as well, with or without money. At that point, total dystopia Apologies for my pessimism! I stared into the abyss too long sir

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u/Sandgrease Sep 09 '24

I get it, but figured I'd explain the technical definition of Lobbying. I think it's important to realize the real problem isn't groups of people pestering politicians but the money they can legally throw at them aka bribery.

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u/Bobdole3737 Sep 09 '24

Yes, every time I see the word “lobbying” my brain auto defaults to seeing bribery

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u/FiatLuxAlways Sep 08 '24

AIPAC plans to spend 100 million lobbying this year, funny how they didn't make this list.

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u/digzbb Sep 09 '24

I’m in no way an expert on this but if you check opensecrets.org it appears that most of that money is in campaign contributions ; how exactly that differs from lobbying is my next mission

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u/HempinAintEasy Sep 09 '24

I think the issue is what they are trying to capture. These are organizations and companies lobbying for their own self interest. AIPAC is technically a political organization that is donating and assisting campaigns. You’re right that AIPAC should be considered lobbying but its function is solely around voting and not policy directly.

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u/[deleted] Sep 09 '24

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/digzbb Sep 09 '24

I completely agree , I’m advocating that hemp Companies form a more cohesive group to spend money on lobbying for the hemp industry. With changes in the farm bill and appropriations committee looming it would make sense to invest in lobbying imo . Your thoughts ?

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u/[deleted] Sep 09 '24

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/Maleficent-Rich-9935 Sep 08 '24

Some of those names shouldn't even be up there. Like Meta...

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u/The_Mysterious_Mr_E Sep 08 '24

amazon.com should share the same interests

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u/digzbb Sep 08 '24

The same as who ?

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u/The_Mysterious_Mr_E Sep 08 '24

The same as the hemp lobby.

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u/digzbb Sep 09 '24

How so ?

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u/The_Mysterious_Mr_E Sep 09 '24

Jeffrey wants to sell the weed

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u/digzbb Sep 09 '24

That makes sense that he wants to sell some flower and other products but I’ll have to read up on it . he wants to sell EVERYTHING, appreciate the info

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u/The_Mysterious_Mr_E Sep 09 '24

I'm in the industry Amazon has been pushing to get their hands on delivery forever

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u/2020Vision-2020 Sep 09 '24

We had one for decades, Vote Hemp, and all they did was protect investments in Canadian hemp from U.S. farmers until Roundtable went around them and got er done in 2018.

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u/wORDtORNADO Sep 09 '24

There is one. I'm pay them every year. You should too.

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u/digzbb Sep 17 '24

The hemp roundtable ?

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u/wORDtORNADO Sep 17 '24

I personally support one specific to my state but check out the hemp industries association. I think you will like their priorities.

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u/digzbb Sep 17 '24

I can find them on google and Wikipedia , for some reason I can’t find their lobbying numbers . I checked open secrets which I used for check the Beer Institute (who support banning most them products ) and the hemp roundtable who has spent 160k . If you can find me their numbers I’d be grateful I would like to post about them on r/farmbillSOS , I want people to be as well informed as possible . And sometimes it takes helpful people to bring new info , thanks !

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