2024 Update
TSTL Holding’s Call to Action
TSTL HOLDINGS VS ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
In 2017, we founded TSTL Holdings LLC, based on the principles of holistic
healing. Hemp and cannabis align with the growing trend of natural healing in the
United States, as more people seek to reduce their reliance on pharmaceuticals in
favor of natural remedies. Many of our employees come from underserved
communities, including those emerging from abusive relationships or single
parents striving to learn a skill or trade. We’ve transformed our conference room
into a daycare to assist with childcare expenses, provide food so no employee goes
hungry, and encourage further education by providing the time and space needed to
pursue it. Although, as a small business with mounting legal bills, we cannot afford
to provide health insurance, we find creative ways to barter and secure the care our
employees need, even if it means dipping into our own pockets.
On January 6th, 2022, the Alabama Department of Public Health entered our
facility in Gadsden, Alabama, under the pretense of “observe and report.” They
were clear that they were not there to perform an inspection. We welcomed them
and walked them through our processes. The “inspector” even stated on camera
that we more than met their requirements for a commercial food manufacturing
facility but declined to issue the necessary permit.
On January 17th, we were ordered by the Department of Health to cease and desist
manufacturing edible hemp products and to destroy our inventory. Despite filing an
appeal and attempting to navigate the process, it became clear that we would
receive no relief. We decided to file a lawsuit against the Department of Health,
and after multiple hearings, significant financial strain, and damage to our
reputation, we won. However, the Department has since appealed the judge’s
decision.
We barely managed to keep our doors open during this process. Our workforce
dwindled from 15 employees to just four. We lost customers and struggled to
attract new ones as our ability to remain in business was questioned. To stay afloat,
I took out a second mortgage on my home and borrowed as much as I could. We
have a plan to recover with new contract manufacturing agreements and a fresh
business approach, but the state’s appeal threatens to undermine our efforts once
again. Our local counsel had to withdraw from the case after we could no longer
afford to pay her. However, Tony Abboud, an attorney from Chicago and a dear
friend, completed the case with us despite our current debt of over $40,000 to him.
We also owe another $25,000 to the local attorney and must find a new one to file our briefings—if we can find the means to pay Mr. Abboud what we owe and
continue with the appeal.
As proud hard working small business owners who have worked hard to make the
world a better place, asking for help is difficult. But we believe passionately in our
mission. Our company and the industry at large stand at a critical juncture. If we
lose this appeal or cannot secure the funds to continue, the entire industry in
Alabama will suffer. The Department of Health will prevail by default, making all
edible hemp products illegal to manufacture or sell in the state. This would result
in the loss of our business, the jobs of our employees in one of the most
economically depressed areas in the state, and negatively impact ancillary services,
other manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and, most importantly, the
consumers who rely on these products in their daily lives.
If you have the means to help, we would deeply appreciate it.