CBD Oil in Alabama: What to know
If you live in Alabama, you could be a bit confused about the laws regarding CBD. You may be scratching your head thinking, “Why is some CBD oil legal and some illegal in Alabama?” Let’s examine Alabama’s CBD laws more closely, so you can make sure that the CBD you buy won’t get you in trouble with the law.
Is CBD Oil Legal in Alabama?
The 2018 United States Agricultural Act federally legalized hemp-derived products that contain less than .3% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Despite the federal legislation, individual states have come up with their own rules regarding CBD and hemp. Fortunately, the Governor of Alabama signed a law in 2019 to align state regulations with federal laws. Consumers in Alabama can now legally purchase CBD products as long as they’re hemp-derived and contain less than .3% THC.
Hemp-Derived CBD vs. Marijuana-Derived CBD
Alabama makes a strict distinction between CBD derived from industrial hemp containing less than .3% THC and CBD derived from cannabis plants that contain more than .3%THC. Alabama is still staunchly anti-marijuana, and possession of cannabis or CBD products containing more than .3% THC carries serious consequences.
Possession of even a small amount of cannabis or any CBD product containing more than .3% THC counts as a misdemeanor in Alabama. Cannabis possession carries penalties of up to one year in prison and $6000 in fines. Sales of cannabis products containing more than .3% THC are a felony offense in Alabama and carry penalties of up to 20 years in prison and $30,000 in fines.
While possessing hemp-derived CBD is legal under Alabama state law, consumers should be careful to purchase their products from a reputable source to avoid inadvertently buying marijuana-derived CBD.
Recent CBD Laws Passed in Alabama
Carly’s Law
Prompted by concerned parents of epileptic children, Governor Robert Bentley signed SB 174 on April 1, 2014. The legislation, also called Carly’s Law, put in place affirmative defense protections for individuals and parents using CBD to treat debilitating epileptic conditions like Dravet’s Syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). Unfortunately, the law also restricted access to CBD, which was only legal to possess through a prescription issued by the University of Alabama.
Leni’s Law
After hearing the case of a young girl named Leni Young, who significantly reduced her seizures with CBD, the Alabama government expanded the definition of qualifying seizure disorders. Governor Bentley signed Alabama’s HB 61, also known as Leni’s Law, on May 4, 2016. However, the law did little to expand access to CBD, and most patients were limited to using the expensive FDA-approved drug, Epidiolex, from GW Pharmaceuticals.
Alabama Industrial Hemp Research Program Act
In 2014, Congress passed a federal Farm Bill, which allowed farmers to cultivate hemp under an individual state’s research pilot program. The law defined the legal limit as less than .3% THC for industrial hemp. In response, Alabama began the process of creating a hemp research program through the passing of the Alabama Industrial Hemp Research Program Act in 2016. By 2018, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) published regulations legalizing hemp and hemp-derived CBD products that contain less than .3% THC.
SB225
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed SB225 into law in July of 2019. The law rescheduled CBD on the state level and permitted pharmacies to offer hemp-derived CBD products that contain less than .3% THC.
Manufacturing and Testing Requirements for Hemp and CBD Products in Alabama
Knowing licensing requirements can help you ensure that the CBD product you buy is legal in Alabama. Hemp growers and CBD manufacturers must pass criminal background checks and obtain licenses through the Alabama Industrial Research Program. The ADAI conducts frequent scheduled and unannounced lab testing of all hemp and CBD products for compliance with the .3% THC rule. Unfortunately, Alabama doesn’t require CBD manufacturers to label or display test results on their products, in their stores, or online.
Consumers should insist that CBD vendors provide current third-party lab results before buying their products. Lab results will not only help you ensure that your products will have no psychoactive effects, but will also protect you should there be any misunderstanding with law enforcement.
Where Can You Buy CBD Oil in Alabama?
These days, consumers can easily access legal CBD oil and other cannabidiol products in Alabama. Hemp-derived CBD oils are available through CBD stores, vape shops, headshops, and pharmacies. Residents of Alabama can also purchase CBD products online.
Can You Buy CBD Oil Online in Alabama?
It’s perfectly legal for Alabama residents to buy CBD products online. Buying CBD online offers consumers many more options, and purchasing CBD online is usually more cost-effective. Furthermore, online CBD retailers often display Certificates of Analysis for their products on their websites so that customers can examine third-party lab results.
If you would like more information about buying CBD in Alabama, feel free to drop us a line. Our support team is available 24/7 and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. We offer free worldwide shipping on all orders over $100.