- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Opelika Today
By the People, for the People
Opelika Council Approves License for Hemp Store After Divided Debate
The 3-2 vote came after tabling the request in March, highlighting policy tensions over zoning, fairness, and community concerns.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:19am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
As Opelika navigates the evolving landscape of hemp regulation, the city's approval of a specialty license for a local business highlights the nuanced policy debates surrounding cannabis-derived products.Opelika TodayThe Opelika City Council voted 3-2 to approve a specialty license for Top Shelf Alternatives, LLC to sell consumable hemp products, after a divided discussion over zoning, fairness, and community concerns. Council members debated whether to act based on current regulations or deny the request and pursue a future ordinance addressing hemp sales in the Gateway Corridor.
Why it matters
The decision highlights the ongoing policy tensions around the regulation of hemp and cannabis-derived products, as more states and municipalities grapple with how to balance business interests, community concerns, and evolving laws.
The details
Top Shelf Alternatives had operated in Opelika prior to recent state regulatory changes. Council members were split, with some citing constituent opposition to hemp sales in the Gateway Corridor and concerns over the proximity to the public library, while others argued the city should follow current law and support an existing local business. The discussion ultimately centered on whether to act based on current regulations or pursue a future ordinance to address hemp sales in that area.
- The council voted on the request during its April 7, 2026 meeting.
- The council had previously tabled the request during its March 17, 2026 meeting.
The players
Top Shelf Alternatives, LLC
The local business that applied for a specialty license to sell consumable hemp products.
Bradley Haddon
The owner of Top Shelf Alternatives, LLC who addressed the council after the vote.
Opelika City Council
The governing body that voted 3-2 to approve the license for Top Shelf Alternatives.
Chuck Beams
The Ward 4 Council Member who said he received multiple calls from constituents opposed to allowing hemp sales in the Gateway Corridor.
Leigh Whatley
The Ward 3 Council Member who echoed concerns that the Gateway Corridor was not an appropriate location for hemp sales.
Janataka Holmes
The Ward 2 Council Member who expressed support for Top Shelf Alternatives, noting the business had operated prior to regulatory changes.
Todd Rauch
The Ward 5 Council Member who supported the license, arguing the city should be "permissible of a business that's already been existing."
What they’re saying
“All the feedback that I got from the concerned citizens … were supportive of not having consumable hemp sales in the Gateway Corridor. I think their concerns with that are valid.”
— Chuck Beams, Ward 4 Council Member
“We should … be permissible of a business that's already been existing in our city because as we say at every single ribbon cutting, 'We are a business-friendly city.'”
— Todd Rauch, Ward 5 Council Member
“You can't just put an ordinance in and backdate it.”
— Janataka Holmes, Ward 2 Council Member
“We want to thank everyone for bearing with us, for asking questions and for continuing to seek information throughout this process. We know this has been a long arduous process for everyone involved. We are committed to doing this the right way — making people aware that there are new avenues and safer alternatives [to pharmaceuticals] available. We truly appreciate the opportunity to share that information with our community.”
— Bradley Haddon, Owner, Top Shelf Alternatives
“I want to thank everyone who has supported us throughout this entire process. This has probably been the hardest thing I've ever done — watching something you built from scratch and feeling like it's burning down around you in real time. When people are asking for answers and you don't have them, all you can do is keep the faith, keep believing in yourself and double down with the people around you. Trust yourself, and trust that the right outcome will come in the end. I especially want to thank our customers and supporters — and everyone local who believes in a strong local economy, small government, opportunity and choice because choice is what this is all about.”
— Bradley Haddon, Owner, Top Shelf Alternatives
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
