Is CBD Legal in Alabama? Laws, Age Limits, and Where to Buy

by Kat Austin December 30, 2024 6 min read

Is CBD Legal in Alabama? Laws, Age Limits, and Where to Buy - VO Inc

CBD’s popularity is undeniable, but its legality varies by state. Is CBD legal in Alabama? Yes, CBD products are legal in Alabama, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp-derived CBD.

Before this, Alabama had passed limited bills to expand access to CBD, but those are now expired. Today, you can buy CBD oil, full-spectrum CBD oil, and other hemp products in Alabama without needing any qualifying conditions.

Here’s what you need to know about Alabama CBD and hemp laws to buy legal products confidently.

Table of Contents
Legal Concerns About CBD
What are the CBD laws in Alabama?
Is full spectrum CBD legal in Alabama?
Does Alabama have a CBD possession limit?
Can doctors prescribe CBD in Alabama?
Where to buy CBD in Alabama?
Do you have to be 21 to buy CBD in Alabama?
Is CBD legal in all 50 states?
Resources

Disclaimer: We’re always working to stay informed on the latest CBD laws and research. However, state laws are subject to change and we advise that you do your own research to verify the information you find in this article. This is not intended as legal advice. 

Key Takeaways

  • Alabama legalized hemp-derived products after the 2018 Farm Bill, and now adheres mostly to federal CBD regulations.
  • There are no age restrictions for buying CBD in Alabama, but vendors may require consumers to be 21 or older.
  • While doctors can recommend CBD, no prescription is needed, and consumers should research brands carefully to ensure product quality.

Is CBD Legal in Alabama?

Yes — as of 2024, hemp-derived CBD containing less than 0.3% THC is legal in Alabama under the 2018 Farm Bill.

That means you can buy CBD oil, gummies, and full-spectrum hemp products without a prescription or qualifying condition. However, laws and retail policies do vary, so it’s important to understand all of the details before making a purchase.

Legal Concerns About CBD

A map showing Alabama amongst other southern states, each with unique CBD laws

 

CBD became federally legal in 2018 under the Hemp Farming Act, which removed industrial hemp and its derivatives from the Controlled Substances Act. However, legal CBD must come from hemp containing less than 0.3% THC.

Even after starting with legal hemp, manufacturers must ensure the final product also contains under 0.3% THC, as extraction can concentrate cannabinoids and increase THC levels. Since the CBD industry lacks strict regulations, it's important to verify third-party lab tests to confirm a product's legality.

Federal guidelines apply, but you must also follow your state's specific CBD regulations.

CBD oil like this tincture is the most popular form of CBD, but it may not be legal in all states..

What are the CBD laws in Alabama?

Alabama, while conservative on cannabis, led the way in CBD legalization with Carly’s Law in 2014 and Leni’s Law in 2016, allowing access for children with severe conditions; today, CBD is fully legal under the 2018 Farm Bill and can be sold over the counter, though the state lacks stringent quality control regulations.

Here are the details:

Although Alabama doesn’t have a record for being very cannabis-friendly, they are even more pro-hemp than some states where recreational cannabis is legal, like Alaska. The state got a head start on CBD legalization through a series of bills designed to grant access to children with various qualifying illnesses.

In 2014, the state passed SB 174, known as Carly’s Law, a bill that granted the university of Alabama the right to begin researching the cannabinoid’s impact on severe forms of epilepsy. The same bill allowed the university to distribute CBD to children with conditions like Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome or Dravet Syndrome.

In 2016, access was expanded further with the passage of Leni’s Law. This bill granted access to more people with a wider range of qualifying conditions. It also allowed parents or guardians to distribute CBD to children with qualifying conditions.

Finally, in 2018 Alabama accepted the decisions of the updated Farm Bill, which fully legalized hemp and hemp extracts with less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall confirmed CBD’s legal status in the state in a public notice on November 20th, 2018.

Now, CBD is accessible to all Alabama citizens as long as it meets the guidelines laid out by federal regulations. In July 2019, the passage of SB 255 allowed Alabama pharmacies to sell CBD over the counter, so long as they come from a legal CBD manufacturer.

In general, Alabama has very relaxed testing and labelling requirements, a stark differentiator from quality-focused states like Colorado and Utah. Poor quality regulations can put consumers at risk, so it’s important to tread carefully when buying CBD in the state.

Alabama CBD Laws (Timeline)

  • 2014– Carly’s Law (SB174): Allowed the University of Alabama to study CBD oil for severe epilepsy.

  • 2016– Leni’s Law: Extended access for more qualifying patients.

  • 2018– 2018 Farm Bill: Made hemp-derived CBD federally legal.

  • 2018– Alabama AG Confirmation: Alabama adopted Farm Bill guidelines.

  • 2019 – SB225: Permitted pharmacies to sell CBD over the counter.

✅ Today, CBD with under 0.3% THC is legal statewide.

Is full spectrum CBD legal in Alabama?

It’s easy to assume that CBD isolate is legal in many places since it contains no THC, but many consumers are worried that the trace amounts of THC found in full-spectrum CBD products may cause trouble in states where cannabis is illegal. Luckily, Alabama has no laws restricting full spectrum CBD products that contain 0.3% THC or less.

Does Alabama have a CBD possession limit?

To date, there are no possession limits for CBD products that meet legal guidelines. CBD products that contain over 0.3% THC may be classified as cannabis products, which are illegal for recreational use in Alabama.

Can doctors prescribe CBD in Alabama?

In Alabama, you do not need a prescription to access CBD products. In fact, doctors typically cannot “prescribe” CBD products that are sold over the counter, rather they may “recommend” them. Even in states where medical marijuana is legal, access usually requires a doctor’s recommendation, not a prescription.

CBD is still new, and only one CBD product has been approved by the FDA to date. This product, GW Pharmaceuticals’ Epidiolex, is designed to treat rare forms of childhood epilepsy. Aside from this product (which comes with stringent usage guidelines), many doctors are still learning about CBD. If you’re interested in the benefits of CBD, you may need to spark a conversation with your doctor.

Where to Buy CBD in Alabama?

This CBD oil offers a convenient oral dose, and you can buy products like this online from Alabama.

✅ Where to Buy CBD

Rewrite with bullet points that highlight options clearly:

Where to Buy CBD in Alabama

You can buy legal CBD products like oils, gummies, and topicals at:

  • Pharmacies: Some local pharmacies sell tested CBD products.

  • Retail shops & dispensaries: Available in major cities like Birmingham or Mobile.

  • Online brands: Offer a larger selection and often third-party lab tests.

Pro tip: Always verify a company’s hemp source and look for certificates of analysis (COAs).

Finally, buying CBD online may be the best way to access many different types of CBD. The most common type of CBD product is an oil tincture, but you can find a variety of CBD edibles, topicals, and other specialty products when you shop online.

For more information on how to find high-quality CBD products, check out our CBD Buyer’s Guide.

Is There an Age Limit to Buy CBD in Alabama?

Alabama doesn’t set a statewide legal age for buying CBD. However:

  • Many stores require you to be21 or older.

  • Online brands may allow orders from customers aged 18+.

  • Parents can also give CBD to minors under a doctor’s guidance.

Is CBD legal in all 50 states?

Thanks to federal updates, CBD has the potential to be legal in every U.S. state. CBD is legal in Alabama, but every state has different regulations regarding the manufacture and sale of CBD. Click here to find out where CBD is legal.

FAQ - Is CBD Legal in Alabama?

What type of CBD is legal in Alabama?

In Alabama, CBD derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC is legal. This includes various products like CBD oil, capsules, and gummies, as long as they comply with federal regulations.

When did Alabama legalize CBD?

Alabama legalized CBD through several bills before the 2018 Farm Bill, which fully legalized hemp and its derivatives. The Attorney General confirmed CBD's legal status in Alabama on November 20, 2018.

Are gummies legal in Alabama?

Yes, CBD gummies are legal in Alabama, provided they meet the state's regulations for hemp-derived products.

In what state is CBD not legal?

As of now, CBD is illegal in Idaho, South Dakota, and Nebraska, where regulations regarding hemp and CBD remain restrictive.

Do CBD gummies really relieve pain?

Some users report that CBD gummies can help alleviate pain, but results vary. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Does CBD really work for anxiety?

Many individuals use CBD to manage anxiety, and some studies suggest it may be effective. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and efficacy.

Resources

  1. “H.R.5485 - Hemp Farming Act of 2018” https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/5485
  2. “Alabama Senate approves Carly's Law, authorizes study of marijuana-derived oil to treat epilepsy” https://www.al.com/wire/2014/03/alabama_senate_approves_carlys.html
  3. “Alabama legislature passes ‘Leni’s Law’ to decriminalize cannabis oil” https://yellowhammernews.com/legislature-passes-lenis-law-decriminalize-cannabis-oil/
  4. “State of Alabama Office of the Attorney General Public Notice” https://www.alabamaag.gov/Documents/News/PUBLIC%20NOTICE%20RE%20CBD.pdf
  5. “Alabama Senate Bill 225” https://legiscan.com/AL/text/SB225/2019

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