MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – A law that imposes strict regulations on the sale of hemp and THC products in Alabama goes into effect July 1, but some sections of the bill have a different effective date.
The Alabama Attorney General’s Office clarified that it will be illegal to sell or possess smokable hemp products as of July 1.
“The criminal prohibition on the sale or possession of hemp products specifically excluded from the definition of ‘consumable hemp product’ goes into effect July 1, 2025,” a spokesperson for AG Steve Marshall’s office said Tuesday. “Possession or sale of those products on or after July 1, 2025 could subject an individual to prosecution for a Class C felony.”
The law, HB445, defines a consumable hemp product as “a finished product that is intended for human or animal consumption and that contains any part of the hemp plant or any compound, concentrate, extract, isolate, or resin derived from hemp.” Products like gummies or drinks fall under this definition. Products specifically excluded from that definition are any that are smokable, which are also defined in the new law.
“Smokable hemp products include, but are not limited to, any plant product or raw hemp material that is marketed to consumers as hemp cigarettes, hemp cigars, hemp joints, hemp buds, hemp flowers, hemp leaves, ground hemp flowers, or any variation of these terms to include any product that contains a cannabinoid, whether psychoactive or not,” the bill says.
READ MORE
The effective date of Jan. 1, 2026, on certain sections of the bill gives retailers with a license to sell hemp products time to fully comply. On or after that date, according to the text of the law, businesses must meet the state’s labeling, serving size and product content requirements for consumable products.
The law gives the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board the authority to regulate all hemp products, lowering the dosage on edibles and removing the products from gas stations. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Andy Whitt (R) told WSFA 12 News that the law does not legalize marijuana, nor does it completely ban hemp.
“If you have arthritis and you use CBD oil, you’ll be able to go to your local pharmacy and get this product,” Whitt said in May. “If you take gummies to help you sleep or help you with your arthritis or anxiety, you will still be able to go get these products but it’s not at your local gas station or convenience store.”
Gov. Kay Ivey signed the bill despite calls from protestors to veto it.
Not reading this story on the WSFA News App? Get news alerts FASTER and FREE in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store!
Copyright 2025 WSFA. All rights reserved.
A law that imposes strict regulations on the sale of hemp and THC products in Alabama goes into effect July 1, but some sections of the bill have a different effective date. Read More
