Alabama’s Attorney General’s Office Clarifies THC Law Set to Take Effect in July
As of July 1, it will be illegal to sell or possess smokable hemp products in Alabama, according to a clarification from the state’s Attorney General’s Office. The new law, HB445, imposes strict regulations on the sale of hemp and THC products, with some sections taking effect on different dates.
The law defines consumable hemp products as those intended for human or animal consumption, containing any part of the hemp plant or its compounds. This includes products like gummies and drinks. However, products specifically excluded from this definition are those that are smokable, such as hemp cigarettes, cigars, or joints.
The effective date of January 1, 2026, applies to certain sections of the bill, giving retailers with a license time to comply with state labeling, serving size, and product content requirements for consumable products.
The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board will regulate all hemp products, and the law will lower the dosage on edibles and remove them from gas stations. The bill’s sponsor, Representative Andy Whitt, emphasized that the law does not legalize marijuana or completely ban hemp.
The law aims to provide a regulated environment for the sale of hemp products, allowing consumers to access products like CBD oil and gummies at licensed retailers, but not at gas stations or convenience stores. Despite protests calling for a veto, Governor Kay Ivey signed the bill into law.
