The VHC’s mission is straightforward: to rectify the injustices of hemp and cannabis prohibition. At the core of the VHC’s goals is the ongoing education of the public, bureaucrats, and politicians.
What Is The Virginia Hemp Coalition, and What is Their Mission?
Established in 2012, the Virginia Hemp Coalition (VHC) is a grassroots organization made up of many diverse folks from Virginia. Over the years, we have played a pivotal role in shaping hemp/cannabis policies for the citizens of the Commonwealth. We have been a stalwart advocate, shaping hemp and cannabis policies at both state and national levels. We have transformed skeptics into champions, paving the way for hemp's respect, recognition and complete legalization and decriminalization as it deserves.
Instrumental in crafting and advancing Federal Hemp legislation nationally in 2014, the VHC emerged as the primary drafter and editor of the historic 2015 Virginia Hemp Legalization bill in the Virginia General Assembly. Each subsequent year has seen the VHC’s active involvement in legislative efforts to legalize, decriminalize, and legitimize hemp and cannabis, both in Virginia and across the nation. Notably, the VHC was a central stakeholder in the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, a key moment where our advocacy transformed Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte from a “hemp skeptic” to a “hemp hero”. Without his support, the inclusion of the historic hemp legalization language in the 2018 Farm Bill would not have materialized.
The VHC’s mission is straightforward: to rectify the injustices of hemp and cannabis prohibition. At the core of the VHC’s goals is the ongoing education of the public, bureaucrats, and politicians. We ardently stand up for the inherent rights of all Virginia consumers, businesses, and farmers involved in hemp and cannabis. Ultimately, the VHC strives for equitable treatment, advocating for hemp grain and fiber to be on par with traditional crops, non-intoxicating hemp products regulated as dietary supplements, and intoxicating hemp products regulated akin to tobacco or alcohol. It's time to dismantle the erroneous double standards in cannabis policies and laws.
In recent years, the VHC’s mission has encountered challenges from out-of-state corporations tied to big marijuana and big pharma seeking to monopolize Virginia's hemp and cannabis markets. Infiltrating pro-cannabis organizations and lobbying Virginia politicians, these entities have pushed for policies that disadvantage small businesses, family farmers, and craft cannabis enterprises. The VHC has been at the forefront, defending against these external pressures.
Virginia's hemp and cannabis consumers have borne the brunt of these anti-American and anti-Virginian policies. The medical cannabis monopoly, dominated by a few out-of-state mega-corporations, has proven ineffective. Much work remains to level the playing field and ensure access to the myriad benefits of this remarkable plant for all Virginians. The VHC invites you to join in supporting our shared mission by becoming a personal or business member or contributing in any way to our shared cause. We are thankful for all those who stand with us.
Our collective mission, shared by the VHC for free markets and justice, is fourfold:
Advancing Free Markets:
The VHC champions free-market capitalism. The VHC strives to create regulatory landscapes that foster open competition, innovation, and the free exchange of goods and services within the hemp/cannabis industry. This commitment dismantles barriers, ensuring equitable growth for all businesses on a level playing field.
Empowering Consumer Choice:
Recognizing informed consumers as the cornerstone of a thriving market, we actively promote transparency, education, and access to a diverse range of hemp products. Through advocacy and collaboration, we empower consumers to make choices aligned with their values and preferences, driving a marketplace informed by demand.
Justice and the End of Prohibition:
Aligned in commitment to justice, we work tirelessly to abolish outdated and unjust prohibitions on hemp/cannabis related activities. The VHC advocates for legislative reform, challenges stigmas, and champions evidence-based policies recognizing the myriad benefits of hemp cultivation, processing, and consumption. Our common goal is to create an environment free from discrimination or legal impediments.
Safe and Tested Products:
We have always advised against any products that mimic popular children’s candy or other snack foods, and we advise our members to never create or market these types of products to the public. While some regulation is needed for public safety and to rid the market of the “bad apples” that do and will exist; the VHC does not agree with double standards for hemp/cannabis and over the top regulations that hinder the advancement and choices of the good folks of the industry, especially small capital businesses, farmers, and consumers which rely on the safe and effective products that work well for them. There must be a balance to this area of policy.
Our steadfast mission is to rectify the injustices of hemp/cannabis prohibition. The VHC is committed to ongoing public, bureaucratic, and political education. Advocating for the inherent rights of farmers, businesses, and consumers in the hemp and cannabis sector, we stand as champions dedicated to fostering awareness and ensuring these rights are upheld and protected.
The VHC’s principles, championed by diverse stakeholders including farmers, entrepreneurs, consumers, and advocates, guide us in building a sustainable, equitable, and prosperous hemp industry. Together, we envision a future where hemp is celebrated for its economic, environmental, and social contributions, and where the principles of freedom, choice, and justice prevail. We invite you to join us in supporting this mission by becoming a personal or business member or contributing to our cause. Thank you for standing with us in reshaping the hemp landscape for the benefit of all.
