[PRESS RELEASE] – CHANDLER, Ariz., April 24, 2025 – The Maricopa County Superior Court denied the Hemp Industry Trade Association of Arizona’s (HITA) request for a temporary restraining order against the Arizona attorney general’s March 24 letter, which declared it illegal to sell hemp THC-infused products without a valid marijuana establishment license.
At the core of this issue are HITA members who provide federally legal hemp products that help Arizona communities in many ways—from veterans seeking comfort for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to seniors being able to sleep without stress, and to being an economic engine that creates jobs and sustainable livelihoods for the people of Arizona.
For HITA, this ruling is not a setback but a procedural step forward. The court chose to give every stakeholder a full and fair opportunity to be heard and, in doing so, granted the association an expedited hearing on its preliminary-injunction motion for May 9, 2025.
HITA thanks Judge Randall Warner for the court’s prompt attention and for setting a fast-track schedule that recognizes the urgency facing Arizona’s hemp community. HITA respects the court’s decision and remains confident that its position will prevail if given the opportunity to present complete evidence and legal argument.
Standing Together
Unity: HITA was founded on cooperation and shared purpose. When one business feels pressure, we all do. HITA will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, advocating for clear, science-based regulation—not prohibition—of lawful hemp-derived products.
Respect: HITA asks every operator, employee and customer to comply fully with state law and with directions from law-enforcement officers. Professional cooperation protects you, your team and the broader industry.
Know Your Rights: While cooperating, remember that you are entitled to due-process protections. Document interactions, keep your licenses and test results current, and consult counsel when in doubt.
Stay Engaged: The May 9 hearing is only two weeks away. HITA’s legal team is working around the clock; we will keep you informed of every developmentand will call on you when your voice or data is needed.
Moving Forward
This is bigger than a single order or hearing date. It is about safeguarding thousands of Arizona jobs, millions in state tax revenue and the fundamental right of adults to choose safe, federally legal hemp products.
Together, we can demonstrate to the court, lawmakers and the public that regulation—not prohibition—best serves Arizona.
HITA is proud of the resilience the hemp community continues to show. Hold the line, stay compliant and stand united. HITA will keep pressing until it secures the legal certainty Arizona’s hemp industry deserves.
The association filed a lawsuit against the state’s attorney general over a deadline to pull hemp-derived THC products from unlicensed stores. Read More
