Alabama Enacts Sweeping Hemp and THC Restrictions

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has signed House Bill 445 into law, establishing comprehensive regulations on the state's hemp and THC products sector, effective October 1. The law bans smokable and vaporized hemp products, limits edibles and beverages to 10mg of THC per serving, and restricts sales to adults over 21 in licensed specialty shops or certain grocery stores, imposing a 10% tax. Online, delivery, and drive-through sales are now prohibited, and retailers must secure licenses and meet strict packaging and serving requirements. Law enforcement and some lawmakers support the measure due to concerns about youth access, while business owners and medical users argue it will harm their operations and restrict patient access. The legislation is seen as a compromise, falling short for those wanting either stricter or more lenient regulation. The new law has sparked ongoing protests from affected stakeholders and reflects wider national debates over hemp regulation.