Alabama Takes Aim at Family Pets -- How to Fight Back!

In Alabama, most brick-and-mortar pet stores cannot sell hemp-derived pet supplements (including CBD and hempseed oil even with zero THC) unless they qualify under the state’s new retailer-license rules. HB 445 reclassifies virtually all ingestible or topical hemp products for humans and animals as “consumable hemp products,” and tightly restricts who may sell them.

What federal law allows

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized “hemp” (≤0.3% Δ-9 THC) and its derivatives at the federal level. It also protects the transportation of federally compliant hemp across state lines, but it does not broadly preempt states from regulating retail sales within their borders.

What Alabama’s HB 445 does

• Bans smokable hemp outright (flower, pre-rolls, vapes). See the enrolled bill text: HB 445 (PDF).
• Defines “consumable hemp product” to include any hemp-derived product intended for human or animal consumption (ingested or topical) — covering CBD pet chews, oils, and balms even if they contain no THC. (See HB 445 text.)
• Imposes THC caps (10 mg per serving and 40 mg per container for many forms), labeling/testing, and a ~10% excise tax. News coverage: Axios Huntsville, AP News.
• Restricts who can be licensed to sell: licensing by the Alabama ABC Board; typical pet stores generally don’t fit the allowed categories. Reporting: Alabama Reflector.

Do Alabama retailers have to follow HB 445 even if their products are federally legal?

Yes. The Farm Bill permits hemp but leaves room for states to regulate retail sales. Unless a court strikes HB 445 down, Alabama’s in-state licensing, labeling, potency, age-limit, and placement rules apply to retailers operating in Alabama.

What this means for pet stores and compliant brands

Even companies like Hemp Well — good-standing members of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) that provide regular compliance information and interact with FDA oversight — are swept in. The law was aimed at bad actors, but as written it denies compliant businesses the ability to provide hempseed- and CBD-based pet supplements with no THC unless they navigate new licensing channels that most pet retailers cannot access.

Enforcement timing and risk

Key provisions took effect July 1, 2025, with additional licensing/retail restrictions operative January 1, 2026. Coverage and updates: Axios Huntsville, AP News, Alabama Reflector, and the enrolled text: HB 445 (PDF).

Policy concern: animal health access

The net effect is fewer lawful points of sale for non-psychoactive pet supplements — even those with rigorous quality systems and no THC — reducing access for pet parents seeking calming or mobility support. Industry sources warn CBD pet products may disappear from typical pet-store shelves in Alabama under HB 445.

Practical steps for Alabama operators

1. Assess eligibility for an ABC retailer license. If you don’t hold an off-premises retail liquor license or operate a store that sells only consumable hemp products, in-store pet-supplement sales may not be allowed. Pharmacies may be a compliant channel for certain formats if licensed.
2. Tighten product compliance. Confirm THC totals, serving sizes, packaging, COAs, and age-gating meet HB 445 requirements; beverages have special rules/placement.
3. Mind shipping limits. Direct-to-consumer shipment into Alabama by producers/retailers is restricted; violations can escalate to criminal penalties.

What to Tell Your State Representatives

Subject/Opening Line (if emailing or calling):
“My name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [City or District], Alabama.”

Key Message:
“I’m reaching out because Alabama’s HB 445 now restricts the sale of federally legal, non‑psychoactive hemp products—including CBD pet supplements that contain no THC. These products, like those from Hemp Well (or your favorite brand), benefit our pets’ health and wellness and are produced with transparency, following monthly reporting to the FDA and standards of the National Animal Supplement Council. I respectfully urge you to support amendments that exempt compliant pet wellness products from the new restrictions, so responsible businesses can continue serving families and their pets.”

Closing:
“Thank you for your time and for representing our community. I hope you’ll stand with pet owners and local businesses by ensuring safe, legal access to these beneficial products.”

How to Contact Your State Lawmakers

1. Find Your Legislators
   Use the “Find Your Elected Officials” tool on the Alabama Secretary of State website to locate your state senator and representative by inputting your address. ACLU of Alabama

2. Call or Email
   After identifying your legislators, use the Alabama Legislature’s directories to get their contact info:

   • Senate and House clerk’s offices for phone or office contacts 

3. Simple Approach

   • Phone Call:
     “Hello, my name is Jane Doe, and I live in [District, City]. I’m calling to ask Rep. [Name] to support an amendment to HB 445 that exempts compliant CBD pet wellness products with zero THC from its restrictions.”

   • Email:
     Similar structure—brief, personal, and to the point.