Big changes are coming to convenience stores and other hemp products suppliers in the State of Alabama. The Alabama Senate passed legislation banning the sale of hemp products at gas stations by a 19-13 margin. The bill was opposed by those who thought it was too restrictive and some who said the products should be banned entirely.

The new law states that sales may only be to people over 21 and restrict retail establishments that sell consumable hemp products to existing liquor stores or other locations that minors may not access, with penalties provided. It would also add requirements for labeling and testing, limit the amount of THC that can be in consumable hemp products to five milligrams and levy an excise tax.

The new bill also gave teeth to the governance of the products. HB445 will put the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board in charge of licensing and regulation of hemp THC or CBD manufacturers, wholesale distributors, and retailers. The Board could not issue a license to a business unless the local governing body of the county or municipality where the business is located approves the application. Violation fines start at $2,500 and could result in suspension of license for a third violation.

An amendment by Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) passed 17-15 on Tuesday, adding an exception allowing grocery stores to still sell hemp-infused beverage products. The House concurred with the Senate’s changes by a 60-27 margin. The bill now heads to Gov. Kay Ivey’s desk.

Bart Fletcher, president of the Petroleum and Convenience Marketers of Alabama, told 1819 News on Tuesday, “As I understand it, yes, we’ll be completely cut out.” He said most convenience stores are good actors who sell the products responsibly. 

“We’re losing the ability to sell a product that we were selling legally and responsibly, and making a profit on, and now that part of the store’s gross margin goes away. I think what convenience retailers are going to have to take a look at is, and it’s going to have to be a store-by-store assessment, is there a way to modify an existing retail convenience store such that you can provide for a separate entrance and allow the adult consumers to come into a segregated part of your store where you retail these products that have now been restricted to age-restricted retail locations,” Fletcher said.

Once signed by the Governor, the bill goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.