Inside the Lawsuit: Jon Udell on the Real-World Impact of Arizona’s Unlawful Enforcement

In this installment of our legal interview series, the Hemp Industry Trade Association of Arizona (HITA-AZ) speaks with Jon Udell, an experienced policy attorney and cannabis reform advocate. His message is clear: the state’s unlawful enforcement of hemp regulations isn’t just a legal issue—it’s a direct attack on Arizona’s small businesses, consumers, and economic stability.

Meet Jon Udell

Jon Udell serves as an attorney and Policy Director for Arizona NORML. He’s spent years working to bring clarity, consistency, and fairness to cannabis-related regulation. In this interview, he breaks down the economic consequences and regulatory confusion created by the state’s unlawful enforcement—and what must be done to protect the industry.

Key Takeaways from the Interview

  • Businesses are operating in fear
    Jon explains how raids, product seizures, and vague legal threats are harming legitimate, compliant hemp businesses—and creating uncertainty across the supply chain.

  • The damage to Arizona’s economy is real
    Hundreds of jobs, millions in lost inventory, and entire companies are at risk. Arizona’s unlawful enforcement is pushing out responsible entrepreneurs and denying consumers safe, legal access.

  • We need regulatory clarity—not chaos
    Jon calls for laws that align with the 2018 Farm Bill and provide clear, science-based distinctions between hemp and marijuana. Enforcement without clarity is not regulation—it’s punishment.

“Arizona’s hemp industry is being destabilized by unclear laws and unlawful enforcement. That’s not how regulation is supposed to work.”

The Stakes Are High for Small Business

From retailers to processors to delivery drivers, Arizona’s actions have triggered layoffs, pulled products off shelves, and created fear in the industry. Jon’s interview highlights how legal ambiguity is being misused—and why HITA-AZ’s lawsuit is critical to restoring fairness and stability.

Help Us Defend the Industry

If you care about legal hemp, consumer access, and business fairness—this is your moment to act.

Stay tuned to HITA-AZ.org and follow us on social media for real-time updates, interviews, and calls to action. Together, we can protect hemp—and protect your rights.

Laura Franklin