A sweeping new law, House Bill 445, will take effect in Alabama on July 1st, significantly altering the sale of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products. The legislation bans all smokable hemp products and imposes strict limits on consumable THC items like gummies, which have been widely available in gas stations and vape shops.
Under the new law, retailers selling any consumable hemp or THC products must obtain a license from the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board. These licenses will only be granted to businesses that restrict entry to individuals aged 21 and over. State Rep. Chris Sells, a proponent of the legislation, stated, "What this bill does, is it says these products need to be tested and certified and they need to be sold in a store that’s [selling to ages] 21 and older... We’re not going to do away with hemp products, but we want to make sure that it’s tested and that what’s in it, is what it’s supposed to be."
The law specifically targets intoxicating cannabinoids like Delta-8 and Delta-10, aiming to protect consumers from unregulated products, some of which have been traced back to dubious addresses. This follows recent multi-agency raids on vape and CBD stores across the state by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
However, the law has faced criticism from some small business owners. Danan Whiddon, an herbalist, argued the legislation is too broad and unfairly impacts those selling non-intoxicating, plant-based health products, treating her health store "like a gas station." Despite this backlash, lawmakers maintain the law is a necessary step for consumer safety and transparency, emphasizing a focus on certified, locally accountable growers and processors.
- News source: Law restricting CBD, THC becomes effective July 1
