Increased Enforcement on Hemp and THC Products in Alabama
Last week, Alabama law enforcement conducted searches at several businesses as part of an investigation into illegal marijuana sales that has been ongoing for nearly a year. Agents confiscated marijuana and various drug paraphernalia, citing violations of Alabama’s current THC and hemp laws.
According to the Alabama Cannabis Union, more law enforcement actions are on the horizon.
“The Alabama Cannabis Coalition has been informed that there will be a surge in efforts targeting the industrial hemp sector,” the group mentioned in a recent press release. “I can’t say when this will happen, but after the press conference on June 27, I doubt I’ll be making any further efforts.”
They also noted, “It appears they’re specifically aiming at businesses selling flower products. Their plans seem similar to what happened on June 23, 2025, where they confiscated flowers along with cash. Spread the word, stay alert, and prioritize your safety. The law’s reach is extensive.”
This uptick in enforcement activities regarding hemp and THC products is somewhat expected, especially with House Bill 445 set to take effect on July 1st. This controversial law introduces significant restrictions on the hemp and CBD industry in Alabama.
Under this new legislation, selling or possessing smokable hemp is classified as a Class C felony, carrying potential penalties of up to $15,000 in fines and a maximum prison term of 10 years. Meanwhile, those caught with marijuana for personal use face a Class A misdemeanor, which could lead to a year of imprisonment and a fine of $6,000.
Aside from the smoking ban, HB 445 will also make online sales and deliveries illegal, which limits the operations of out-of-state hemp companies in Alabama. For instance, Cornbread Hemp, based in Kentucky, is one of those suppliers affected by the consumer ban.
“Starting July 1st, Cornbread Hemp will sadly have to cut ties with over 3,000 customers in Alabama due to the passage of HB 445,” a representative stated.
They expressed concerns regarding the legality of this ban under federal laws, arguing it violates certain commercial clauses. “We urge Alabama residents to reach out to their representatives to address this issue in the next legislative session. Our advocacy for Alabama customers will continue against these protectionist bans,” they added.
The representatives from Cornbread Hemp are not alone in contesting HB 445. Last Friday, four companies—Mellow Fellow Fun, LLC; Tasty Haze, LLC; The Humble Hemp Shack, LLC; and Seedless Green, LLC—filed a lawsuit to challenge aspects of this legislation. Like Cornbread Hemp, Mellow Fellow Fun also provides federally legal hemp products across the nation, while the other companies are involved in various agricultural processes in Alabama.
The lawsuit claims that HB 445 undermines a crucial part of Alabama’s emerging hemp industry, unfairly making legitimate business owners criminals overnight.
Specifically, the companies seek to overturn the ban on smokable hemp and products containing psychoactive cannabinoids. They have also requested a temporary restraining order to prevent the enforcement of HB 445 while the lawsuit proceeds.
As of now, the Montgomery Circuit Court has not yet ruled on the restraining order request, leaving it uncertain how this lawsuit might influence future law enforcement actions tied to the provisions of HB 445.
