The proposed bill HB445 introduces comprehensive regulations for the sale and distribution of consumable hemp products in Alabama, effective January 1, 2026. It establishes a new Chapter 12 in Title 28 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which includes mandatory testing and labeling requirements to ensure public health and safety, particularly for minors. Key provisions prohibit the sale of consumable hemp products to individuals under 21 years of age, ban smokable hemp products, and restrict online sales and direct deliveries. The bill also authorizes the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to license retailers, enforce compliance, and impose civil and criminal penalties for violations. Additionally, it repeals Section 13A-12-214.4, which pertains to the sale of psychoactive cannabinoids.

To support the enforcement of these regulations, the bill establishes a Consumable Hemp Product Compliance Fund funded by licensing fees and a 10 percent excise tax on retail sales of consumable hemp products. Retailers must obtain a license, undergo background checks, and secure a surety bond, with licenses valid for one year and subject to renewal. The bill mandates strict testing protocols, packaging requirements, and age verification for sales, with penalties for violations escalating with repeated offenses. Overall, HB445 aims to enhance consumer protection, ensure the safety of hemp products, and maintain compliance with existing tax laws while generating revenue for regulatory efforts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-12-1, 28-12-2, 2-8-381, 28-12-3, 28-12-4, 41-4-80, 41-4-96, 41-19-1, 41-19-12, 28-12-5, 28-12-20, 28-3A-24, 28-3A-26, 28-12-21, 28-12-22, 28-12-41, 28-12-42, 28-12-42, 28-12-23, 28-12-24, 28-12-25, 28-12-26, 28-12-27, 28-12-40, 28-12-41, 28-12-42, 28-12-43, 28-1-5, 28-12-44, 28-12-43, 28-3A-25, 28-12-45, 28-12-40, 28-12-41, 28-12-42, 28-12-46, 28-12-5, 28-12-41, 28-12-42, 13A-12-214
Engrossed: 13A-12-214, 28-12-1, 28-12-2, 2-8-381, 28-12-3, 28-12-4, 41-4-80, 41-4-96, 41-19-1, 41-19-12, 28-12-5, 28-12-20, 28-3A-24, 28-3A-26, 28-12-21, 28-12-22, 28-12-41, 28-12-42, 28-12-42, 28-12-23, 28-12-24, 28-12-25, 28-12-26, 28-12-27, 28-12-40, 28-12-41, 28-12-42, 28-12-43, 28-1-5, 28-12-44, 28-12-43, 28-3A-25, 28-12-45, 28-12-40, 28-12-41, 28-12-42, 28-12-46, 28-12-47, 28-12-5, 28-12-41, 28-12-42, 28-12-40, 28-12-46, 13A-12-214
Enrolled: 13A-12-214, 28-12-1, 28-12-2, 2-8-381, 28-12-21, 28-12-20, 28-12-60, 28-12-3, 28-12-4, 41-4-80, 41-4-96, 41-19-1, 41-19-12, 28-12-5, 28-12-20, 28-12-22, 28-12-24, 28-12-23, 28-12-25, 28-12-21, 28-12-22, 28-12-23, 28-12-24, 28-12-25, 28-12-40, 28-12-41, 28-12-42, 28-3A-24, 28-3A-26, 28-12-43, 28-12-44, 28-12-45, 28-12-46, 28-1-5, 28-12-47, 28-12-48, 28-12-49, 28-12-46, 28-3A-25, 28-12-60, 28-12-61, 28-12-62, 20-2-93, 13A-12-214