Impact of House Bill 445 on Alabama’s Hemp Industry

On May 6th, 2025, the Alabama Senate passed House Bill 445, a pivotal development for the state’s hemp industry. The bill now awaits the signature of Governor Kay Ivey and could significantly alter the landscape for hemp and cannabis-derived products, particularly those containing THC and CBD. Understanding the implications of this bill is essential for both retailers and consumers in Alabama.

Local Business Reactions: A Significant Shock

Local business owners Kristin King, Meredith Dameron, and Stewart Willard, who run Kind Times Dispensary, expressed their deep concerns over House Bill 445. Kristin King stated, “We opened Kind Times with a simple mission: we wanted to bring good, quality products to the people in downtown Birmingham.” She added that the sudden changes were incredibly disappointing and unexpected for a small business that had worked diligently to comply with state regulations.

“For a small business like ours, it’s incredibly disappointing. We put in the work to abide by everything the state of Alabama mandated, so to have the rug pulled out from under us so suddenly is still a big shock.”

Kristin King, Co-Owner, Kind Times Dispensary

The Evolution of Alabama’s Hemp Legalization

Since the legalization of hemp and cannabis derivatives in Alabama nearly seven years ago, several dispensaries, including Kind Times, have thrived. The federal Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, known as the Farm Bill, was instrumental in this change. By removing hemp from the federal controlled substance list, it paved the way for various hemp-derived products, including CBD.

“We have a lot of customers who come to Kind Times after cancer treatments looking for a non-pharmaceutical way to treat breakthrough pain. After the House Bill 445 news broke, we were flooded with calls from terrified customers who don’t know how they’re going to manage that pain.”

Stewart Willard, Co-Owner, Kind Times Dispensary

Broader Concerns Across the Industry

John Parker, who owns Near to Me CBD in Southside, expressed similar fears. He believes that House Bill 445 might unintentionally push consumers towards unregulated black markets for hemp products.

“What will those consumers do? Those with the means will travel to legal states while others will buy non-tested, non-verified products from unregulated sources.”

John Parker, Owner, Near To Me CBD

Parker has been advocating for responsible legislation in Alabama’s hemp industry since 2014. He previously worked on bills aimed at regulating hemp products, but the passage of House Bill 445 has deeply disappointed him.

“It’s really disappointing to have worked on this for over a decade, only to have this law erase all of our progress. We’ll be priced out of the market, and the additional taxes will put us out of business either way.”

John Parker, Owner, Near To Me CBD

Key Provisions of House Bill 445

Should Governor Kay Ivey sign House Bill 445, it will implement strict regulations impacting how businesses like Near to Me CBD and Kind Times Dispensary operate:

• Ban on smokeable products, including Delta-8.
• Prohibitions on online sales, delivery, and drive-through options.
• Restrictions on THC content for gummies and hemp-infused beverages: each edible must be individually wrapped and limited to 10 mg, while beverage limits are capped at 12 fluid ounces.
• CBD products will exclusively be available in liquor stores or specialized CBD/hemp outlets.

Additionally, the bill imposes a 10-cent excise tax on all hemp-derived products and assigns enforcement duties to the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) board.

“If House Bill 445 is signed, we won’t survive. Since we opened, we’ve curated a collection of third-party-tested products from all over the country because we wanted the best of the best. If this law goes into effect, we’ll only be allowed to sell the same small selection of products found in liquor stores.”

Kristin King, Co-Owner, Kind Times Dispensary

The Fight for Consumer Rights

Though the potential passage of House Bill 445 is a significant setback, local business owners remain committed to advocating for their rights and those of their consumers.

“We’ve been urging our customers to call Governor Ivey’s office to urge her to veto the bill.”

Kristin King, Co-Owner, Kind Times Dispensary

The urgency behind these appeals reflects a genuine concern for the future of Alabama’s local businesses and the well-being of its consumers. The community is rallying to protect a market that they believe provides crucial products for many people.

Conclusion

The ongoing discussions around House Bill 445 are more than just legislative debates; they affect lives, health, and local economies. Stay informed and engaged, as the outcome may shape the future of hemp in Alabama for years to come.