What Is Arizona First?

Arizona First: Pushing Progress 365 is a statewide policy and industry initiative developed by the Hemp Industry Trade Association of Arizona (HITA). Together with agriculture, public health, regulators, business leaders, and national partners, HITA is building a unified framework to regulate hemp-derived products, strengthen Arizona’s agricultural economy, and set the national standard for safe, smart innovation.

This effort reflects nearly a decade of HITA’s leadership protecting Arizona’s hemp farmers, product manufacturers, and consumers.

A One-Year Opportunity to Lead the Nation

Congress has created a 365-day transition period for “unregulated hemp-derived products.”
This gives Arizona a powerful window:

  • 365 days to establish clear, consistent regulation

  • 365 days to protect public safety

  • 365 days to strengthen agriculture and economic growth

  • 365 days to show the nation what responsible hemp leadership looks like

This is not a countdown to prohibition.
It is a mandate — and an opportunity — to lead.

What This Initiative Will Build

Protect Public Safety & Children
Clear standards to prevent youth access, ensure accurate labeling, and support enforcement against unlawful operators.

  1. Support Responsible Farmers & Businesses
    A framework that strengthens markets, reduces confusion, and expands opportunities for Arizona agriculture and hemp operators.

  2. Establish Statewide Consistency
    One science-based regulatory model that replaces today’s fragmented patchwork.

  3. Collaborate Across Stakeholders
    Including lawmakers, regulators, agriculture, public health experts, universities, law enforcement, retailers, and industry leaders.

  4. Build an Economic Blueprint for Arizona’s Future
    Integrating hemp fiber, grain, regenerative agriculture, carbon-smart farming, water conservation, consumer product regulation, and rural job growth.

A Statewide Coalition Working Together

HITA is convening partners from across Arizona’s public, private, and agricultural sectors, including:

  • Bipartisan lawmakers

  • Regulators & enforcement agencies

  • Law enforcement

  • Agriculture & water-management leaders

  • Public-health professionals

  • Universities & research institutions

  • Hemp businesses & manufacturers

  • National organizations & policy partners

  • Restaurant, retail & hospitality sectors

  • Beverage & alcohol industry partners

  • Leaders from Arizona’s regulated marijuana industry

This effort is rooted in unity, not division.

Participate in 2026 Stakeholder Meetings

HITA is organizing structured stakeholder working groups for 2026.
These sessions will include select participants from agriculture, public safety, industry, research, retail, and regulatory sectors.

To help us identify qualified contributors, please submit a Request to Participate below.
Submitting a request does not guarantee placement, but ensures your organization is considered and added to the correct communication group. The deadline to submit request is December 20th, 2025.

REQUEST TO PARTICIPATE

Support Arizona First

This statewide effort requires legal, legislative, research, and coalition-building resources.
HITA is launching a targeted fundraising campaign to support the development of Arizona’s hemp regulatory model.

Supporters — including brands, associations, agriculture advocates, and national organizations — are invited to contribute and help build the regulatory blueprint the nation will follow.

DONATE NOW

Official Press Release

Read the full announcement outlining the mission, focus areas, stakeholder strategy, and the 365-day federal transition period.

Read full press release

Questions? Interested in partnership or support opportunities?
Contact the HITA leadership team at info@hita-az.org