Hemp shop owners fear new law will devastate business

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Small business owners in Birmingham are sounding the alarm over a new law with strict regulations on Alabama’s hemp industry. Some business owners feel regulating it, especially with kids, is a good thing. But they believe the new law will do more harm than good.

For the past three years, there’s been a steady stream of business at Alibomb House of Hemp in East Lake. However, now that House Bill 445 is law, owner Denise Ali may have to reshape her business.

“I really love what I do. I give 100% every day and just to see your efforts be almost like swept under your feet overnight is just devastating,” Ali said.

Under HB 445, smokable and vape hemp products will be banned, THC limits in edibles would be capped at 10mg per serving, only adults 21 and older can purchase and the law removes these products from convenience stores.

“Gas stations and convenience stores should be selling cokes and sodas and chips and drinks and that’s it, not being your pharmacy,” Representative Andy Whitt, (R) – the bill’s sponsor – said earlier this year.

Ali says the new law will affect at least 80% of products and services in her store. She fears it could potentially put her out of business.

“This can put me out of business. I’m very resilient. I don’t really put stuff like that on me, but you don’t want to be naïve about it. You want to be woke about what’s really happening and how things can change for us,” Ali said.

The law also grants regulatory authority over consumable hemp products to the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

Ali says her customers get real relief from the products she sells treating things like anxiety and depression. She also educates customers on what goes into their body. With all the uncertainty right now, Ali is already thinking ahead.

“I want to be able to survive. These are the things that I love and being able to pivot is important, learning how to. I try and think ahead. I’ve tried to be realistic and see what works for me and my customers. We’re literally like a family,” Ali added.

Representative Whitt sent WBRC this statement regarding enforcement of the new law:

“Beginning July 1, cities and counties across Alabama will be enforcing HB445 just like any other state law. The ABC will also actively report violations to local authorities, and any banned products will be confiscated on the spot. This law will be upheld statewide—no exceptions. If it is illegal, it will be pulled and destroyed.”

Earlier this week, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall’s office clarified that it will be illegal to sell or posses smokable hemp products on or after July 1. The AG says you could be subject to prosecution for a Class C felony.

Ali and other businesses feel the law is still fuzzy and they want some more clarification on what it means for their industry.

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