The proposed bill HB445 introduces comprehensive regulations for the sale and distribution of consumable hemp products in Alabama, effective July 1, 2025. It establishes Chapter 12 in Title 28 of the Code of Alabama 1975, mandating that all consumable hemp products must have a certificate of analysis from an independent testing laboratory, be sold in their original sealed containers, and comply with specific labeling and serving size requirements. The bill prohibits sales to individuals under 21 years of age, bans smokable hemp products, and restricts online sales and direct deliveries. It also imposes a 10% excise tax on retail sales, with proceeds directed to the State General Fund and local municipalities. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board is designated as the regulatory authority responsible for licensing retailers and enforcing compliance.

Additionally, the bill establishes the Consumable Hemp Product Compliance Fund to support the administration of these regulations and outlines civil and criminal penalties for violations, including escalating fines for repeated offenses. It requires retailers to undergo background checks, secure a surety bond, and maintain a minimum sales area with employee oversight. The bill also mandates strict age verification measures and prohibits sales through vending machines or self-service displays. Notably, it repeals Section 13A-12-214.4, which previously addressed the sale of psychoactive cannabinoids, thereby streamlining the regulatory framework for hemp products in Alabama.

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