Hello MCO Family,

UPDATE 7/2: I’ve got a quick update—and it’s a mix of good and bad.

 The good news: We can still ship and deliver edibles and beverages in Alabama (and across the U.S.) through January 1st in accordance with the law. That gives us all a bit more breathing room to stock up and enjoy what we’ve got while we can.  There are no synthetics & no smokables available now per the new law.  Now, I know we are out of a TON of stuff but we are in the process of restocking now.

 Important Things to Remember this Week:

• Delivery starts back tomorrow for beverages & edibles (Delta 9 + Natural Cannabinoids)
• Shipping starts back today in Alabama & Nationwide until Jan 1st
• We are CLOSED Friday & Saturday for the July 4th holiday
• We have shipping saving on beverages so it’s only $6.99 now to ship

 The not-so-good news: We didn’t get our Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) granted in court.  However, the Attorney General’s office did sign a consent decree which went into law immediately in court that HB445 “does not impede or prohibit interstate shipping of hemp products” which was one of our constitutional arguments in court.  We’re still very much in the fight, but it looks like it’ll be more of a marathon than a sprint with our heavy involvement into the political side of the anti-hemp push. 

Again, we’ll be closed on July 4th & 5th to give our team a much-needed break. So if you need anything, make sure to swing by or place your order before then!

Thanks for sticking with us and being part of our wonderful community. We would not still be here without your support!

UPDATE 6/13: It’s been a whirlwind the past week — and honestly, the weeks before that too.

The Attorney General’s office continues to release updates that contradict their previous statements, making it incredibly difficult — even for us and our legal team — to fully grasp what’s going on day-to-day. As of today, we do have a better understanding of where things stand, but I hate having to constantly update you only to walk things back days later because the state has changed its mind again.

We’re currently awaiting a direct update from the AG’s office via our legal team, and we’re hopeful for some real, lasting clarity soon.

That said, I want to be upfront:
? It’s looking more and more like we will not see flower again after the end of this month.
However, we are fighting hard for vape and concentrate products to be included in the injunction we’re filing.

I cannot thank you all enough. So many of you have stepped up to support this grassroots movement — a fight I didn’t expect to lead but found myself at the forefront of, simply because no one else was stepping up to get it done legally.

We’ve built an amazing team through the Alabama Wellness Collective and have also brought on a national coalition that is helping us navigate this chaos. Business owners across Alabama have joined forces with us, and I promise you: we are not giving up — in any way, shape, or form.

We’re not going anywhere.

Even if we have to pivot hard, we will continue serving this community and expanding what we’ve already created here in Birmingham — and beyond. There’s a lot of uncertainty about e-commerce and whether we can continue selling online after June 30, and that’s part of what we’re fighting for in court.

This week, we stocked what we believe to be the final shipment of flower we’ll see for the foreseeable future. Unsurprisingly, it’s flying off the shelves. WNC has already stopped shipping to Alabama, and we just heard that Enjoy Hemp is doing the same. Even if we were allowed to continue temporarily, we wouldn’t be able to get inventory from many of our trusted vendors due to the legal mess the legislature has created.

Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be clearing out the store — but if we receive a favorable ruling, we’ll restock quickly with everything that we are able to. We’ve also begun bringing in new compliant products, but here’s the catch:
➡️ Even gummies under 10mg could be deemed non-compliant depending on how the Delta-9 is extracted from hemp.

Yes, it’s that ridiculous.

That’s why we’ll continue lobbying, and our attorneys will be working closely with the ABC Board as they begin drafting enforcement rules. But for now, I simply can’t offer solid dates or promises — things are changing too fast.

What I can promise you is this:
We’re still standing because of you — your support, your contributions, your patience, your passion.

Please join us next Friday in Avondale for a community rally — one week from today.
? We’ll have live music talent, some of Birmingham’s best food trucks, and a huge raffle announced at the event.  You get to shake hands & share community with the entire heart of the hemp industry in Alabama.  People are coming from all over the state to be together during these insane times.

Even Mayor Randall Woodfin will be attending & whether you like him or not he’s been a big voice for us since the bill dropped.

CLICK HERE for our Facebook page with the RSVP link and full event details.

From the bottom of my heart — thank you for riding this wave with us. Thank you to our amazing MCO crew for holding it down in-store so I can stay focused on the legal fight.

We’re in this together — and we’re not backing down.

If you got this far – all of our new stuff is below. Grab it while you still can!! ?

With love and grit,
— Jenni & Greg

UPDATE 6/7:  I spoke too soon

? IMPORTANT UPDATE ON HEMP PRODUCTS IN ALABAMA ?

What’s Happening?
Despite clear language in the new law and guidance from legal experts, Alabama’s Attorney General has taken the unexpected position that ALL smokable hemp products—including THCA flower and vapes—must be removed from shelves by July 1st.

This contradicts what attorneys involved in the legislative process have advised:
➡️ The new hemp law (HB445) has an enforcement date of January 1st, 2026.
➡️ This should allow businesses and customers time to prepare, sell down inventory, and make informed transitions.
➡️ Instead, the AG’s office is attempting to enforce the ban six months early—without warning and against legal interpretation.

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What Does This Mean for You?

• Popular products like THCA flower, vapes, and all smokable hemp items may be forced off shelves by July 1st, 2025.

• Your access to federally legal, plant-based wellness options is being restricted—not by the legislature, but by the AG’s aggressive interpretation.

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What Can You Do?
? Call the Attorney General’s Office and ask why they’re jumping ahead of the enforcement date.
? Contact your legislators and tell them this isn’t what you expected when HB445 passed.
? Follow us online and sign up for alerts—we’ll keep you informed and ready to take action.

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We’re still here. We’re still fighting.
Until we are legally forced to remove these products, we will continue to serve our community responsibly and lawfully.

?️ Stock up while you still can.
? July 1st may be your last chance (for now).

With gratitude,
Magic City Organics

UPDATE 6/6: Not a whole lot going on this week—at least on the surface. We’re in a bit of a wait-and-see mode as we watch for any updates from the Alabama ABC Board regarding the new rules and regulations on hemp. As always, we’ll keep you posted as soon as we know more.

 A lawsuit was recently filed over the nicotine vape bill HB8. That legal action seems to have prompted some changes already, and from what we can tell, the matter has been “settled” in its own vague way.

Meanwhile, on the hemp front, the language in the new law that was changed at the last minute before signing—from inhalable to smokable. That tweak has opened a bit of a gray area, and we’re working through what it could mean for the future of vapes. Is there a path forward? Possibly. But it’s still cloudy.

UPDATE 5/28: Just came here to give you a heads up on dates in relation to the new law against hemp in Alabama. Per Legislative Services (who orchestrated HB445) the period between July 1 & Jan 1 is the time for ABC to get their ducks in a row with rules & regs, hiring, organizing teams etc. Certain areas of the state may be different when it comes to ALEA however we should not expect to see any enforcement as a retailer before that Jan 1 date. With that being said I would still be smart & cautious but know that we will operate in normal capacity through the end of the year. I hope that helps!!

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Important Update About HB445 & What It Means for Our Store

As many of you have heard, Alabama has officially passed House Bill 445, a law that significantly impacts hemp-derived products—including many you’ve come to rely on from us.

Here’s what you need to know:

?️ Effective January 1, 2026, it will be illegal to ship or deliver consumable hemp products directly to consumers in Alabama. That includes online orders, local delivery, and subscriptions.

? The bill also introduces new restrictions on what types of products can be sold in stores—including limitations on THC content, packaging, and product types like vapes and flower. While we are still awaiting full clarification, it’s likely that many popular products will no longer be allowed under this new law.

⚠️ Until then, we’re doing everything we can to stay compliant while continuing to serve you. That means making thoughtful decisions about restocks, inventory, and future product lines.

What this means for you:

• Now is the time to stock up on your favorite vapes, concentrates, and flower, as these are the most at risk.
• Most edibles and beverages are safe through the end of the year, but we’ll update you if that changes.
• We’ll continue to fight for sensible hemp legislation and work with others across the state to protect access to safe, plant-based alternatives.

Your support means everything to us. We’re here for you—and we’ll continue to keep you informed every step of the way.

— Magic City Organics

UPDATE 4:18PM 5/14/25:  Kay Ivey Signs HB445 into Law.  Today is a heartbreaking day for thousands of families and small business owners across Alabama. With the stroke of a pen, Governor Ivey has signed away years of hard work, hope, and healing. This bill doesn’t just regulate—it devastates. It criminalizes safe, legal alternatives that have helped countless Alabamians manage pain, anxiety, and chronic illness when nothing else worked.

It’s been an absolute honor to stand alongside so many incredible people & local businesses who poured their hearts into this fight—calling, texting, and emailing our state legislature, even when it felt like no one was listening. Our incredible MCO Crew who has done their best answering questions and concerns daily coming from our customers. I’ve never witnessed such powerful community, unity, and determination. The outpouring of support and solidarity has been nothing short of inspiring.

We’ve been proud to serve our community with honesty, integrity, and compassion. And now, we’re being forced to watch everything we’ve built be dismantled by a law that serves fear, not facts. But we are not going quietly. We will fight—because our customers, our employees, and this entire industry are worth fighting for. The people of Alabama deserve better than this. We will not give up & we will share more in the coming future about how we will evolve to continue to serve your needs in Birmingham. ??????

Much ❤️ to you all,
Jenni & Greg

UPDATE 9:13AM 5/13/2025:  Veto Watch: Day 6 – We’re still on Veto Watch, anxiously waiting to see what Governor Kay Ivey does with HB445. Word is, she could sign it today—but nothing’s confirmed yet. If she doesn’t sign it, we’re now trying to understand what exactly happens next. The clock is ticking.

We’ve heard that the beer wholesalers have dropped their executive amendment from consideration by the Governor, which is disappointing. Apparently, the ABC Board still has an amendment on the table—but it’s unclear if that will have any weight, especially with tomorrow marking the final day of the legislative session.

At this point, we’re still hoping for a miracle. But if that doesn’t come, we’ve already begun conversations with statewide groups about how to fight this from every possible angle. That includes a unified lobbying strategy that will kick off immediately for the next session—with a goal of overturning HB445 in some form, or at the very least securing a pause or extension on the January 1, 2026 compliance deadline.

We will let you know once we hear something but what we do know is she is really struggling with making a decision on this bill.  

UPDATE 5/9/2025: Yesterday was a powerful reminder of the strength and unity in our community. We stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Mayor Randall Woodfin, local hemp business owners, advocates, and supporters at a press conference hosted right here at Magic City Organics to urge Governor Kay Ivey to veto HB445 — a bill that threatens the future of Alabama’s compliant and compassionate hemp industry.  Here’s one of the videos from the news HERE.

The people of Alabama deserve safe, accessible, and legal alternatives — and criminalizing hemp products that meet federal law is a step in the wrong direction.

? What will happen to MCO?

MCO is NOT going away as we will be one of the few options left for trusted hemp CBD & THC products but our website will move out of the state so we can continue to sell online.  We will continue to be a leader in the hemp space as we have done for almost 7 years!  Things will be different but we will still be here. ? The worst part is no local delivery as there is no way around the ban but we will continue to serve delivery until January 1st, 2026.

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? What HB445 Would Do

If signed into law, HB445 would:

• Ban the sale of vaporizable/flower/concentrate/potent drinks/potent edible hemp products entirely — even if they are federally legal.
• Restrict THC limits to 10mg per gummy for edibles and 10mg per drink.
• Devastate small businesses like ours that have been compliant, transparent, and deeply committed to our customers since day one.

This bill does nothing to curb the black market — it only penalizes licensed, tax-paying businesses and the communities that rely on them.

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? How You Can Help

Governor Ivey still has time to veto this bill & the word is she is receiving A LOT of pressure so keep up the calls!  They must record everything by law & tabulate that information from the public.  If she does sign it then there is still A TON happening behinds the scenes to stop/pause the ban so sit tight.

✅ Call her office at (334) 242-7100
✅ Email: https://contact.governor.alabama.gov
✅ Share your story — let her know how hemp has helped you or someone you love.

This isn’t just about business — this is about freedom of choice, natural wellness, and protecting responsible access.

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We are deeply grateful to Mayor Woodfin for using his platform to support small businesses like ours — and we’re proud to be part of a statewide community fighting to do what’s right.

Thank you for standing with us. We’ll keep you posted on next steps and what this means for our operations in the coming days.

UPDATE 5/8/2025: The Mayor of Bham, Randall Woodfin’s campaign manager runs a PAC & they set up a press conference for this afternoon to put pressure on Kay Ivey to veto HB445. I just got the press release and it will be held at MCO at 5 PM today! Also keep calling.  The lawsuits are lining up & also there is conversation yesterday that a nationwide organization is retaining council for a preliminary injunction. 

UPDATE 5/7/2025:  CALL THE GOVENOR’S OFFICE OR TEXT!!  THEY ARE RECEIVING HUNDREDS OF CALLS PER HOUR – KEEP CALLING AS THEY ARE TAKING NOTES AND LISTENING!

CALL OR TEXT: 334-242-7100

EMAIL: https://contact.governor.alabama.gov/contact.aspx

? Sample Call Script:

“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a concerned Alabama resident. I’m calling to respectfully urge Governor Ivey to veto HB445.

This bill unfairly punishes small, compliant hemp businesses and will hurt Alabamians who rely on these products for relief. It doesn’t go after the bad actors—it targets the ones who’ve been following the law from day one.

We need a solution that enforces existing rules, not one that wipes out jobs and access. Please tell Governor Ivey that we’re asking her to stand with small businesses and patients by vetoing HB445. Thank you.”

UPDATE HB445 PASSED 5/6/25 4:30PM: (2 Days Left) AMENDMENT LINK Well that’s that.  Crazy afternoon down in Montgomery that NO ONE saw coming.  The filibuster collapsed, Tim Melson swayed the Senate & the Boro Hemp Case ruling influenced enough of the Senate to vote to move HB445 forward.  They added a THIRD special calendar & Rep Garland Gudger (R) + Tim Melson (R) urged the Senate to pass this today. It went back to the House & will be signed off by Kay Ivey any day now.  Sad day for Alabama & the hemp industry as a whole.  The bill outlines that there will be no vapes, no flower, no concentrates, only 10MG THC individually wrapped gummies & THC drinks sold as a 4 pack.  Gas stations were banned from the bill & control goes to the ABC Board (who said they didn’t want to deal with it).  There will only be groceries stores & 21+ shops with no bars/restaurants or consumption lounges left in the state.  We can’t thank you all enough for everyone one of you who called, emailed & donated to try & help our group fight this.  Everyone was blindsided today how it all unfolded.  Get ready for the lawsuits to fly from all over the state like what is happening in Tennessee right now.  While we expect Kay Ivey to sign there will still be other action following.  This week we will be meeting with our attorneys to really dive deep until how long we can continue to sell our current products & how we will pivot for the future. 

This all started with Tim Melson who happens to own SHOALS MEDICAL TRIALS where they specialize in PAIN – so go figure.  They want more of Alabama on pills & not other avenues for relief.

ALABAMA – We Need You Now: Tell Kay Ivey to VETO HB445

I know this is a big ask, but if you care about small businesses and personal freedom in Alabama, now is the time to act.

Governor Ivey is expected to sign HB445 any day now — likely within the next 5 days — and once that happens, it’s game over for many locally owned hemp shops across the state.

This is our last chance to urge her NOT to sign it.

Reach out TODAY — call, email, or stop by her office if you can. Be courteous, but be clear.

Here’s what’s at stake:

1. This bill hits small, independent businesses the hardest — folks who have played by the rules will be punished for the bad apples.

2. Criminals aren’t stopped by laws — they ignore them. This bill only hurts the people actually trying to do it right.

3. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and its derivatives. HB445 completely sidesteps federal law and overreaches.

4. Pushing these products underground only creates more danger — untested, unregulated black market goods will fill the void.

This isn’t just a hemp issue. It’s a small business issue. It’s a personal freedom issue. It’s a common sense issue.

Here’s the link to contact Governor Ivey — let her know you’re watching and you care:
https://contact.governor.alabama.gov/contact.aspx

UPDATE HB445 5/1/25 11:30AM: (4 Days Left) Sub Bill Copy A sub to HB 445 was sent out today.  The sub bill doesn’t change HB445 much but also doesn’t give more room for adjustments to what we were hoping for when it comes to packaging requirements, milligram caps, & still includes a 10% excise tax. There is also rumors about them calling a special session this summer if they don’t get anything done in the next few days. This could be a good thing or it may go south.  There’s just no telling  at this point. One thing is for sure that they are determined to do something as soon as they can.

UPDATE HB445 4/29/25 2:30PM: (5 Days Left – Today was the Caucus Lunch) With five days remaining in Alabama’s legislative session, today’s caucus lunch featured presentations from the Attorney General and the Alabama Department of Public Health. They introduced a PDF outlining their regulatory proposals in response to the ongoing Boro Hemp case, which is currently under appeal. Their recommendations align with House Bill 445 but suggest even stricter measures.​

Currently, the Senate has not drafted a corresponding bill, though discussions are reportedly ongoing. If no progress is made by Thursday, it’s uncertain whether significant developments will occur in the final week of the session.​

A non-binding vote on the proposed PDF was conducted to assess support levels. The result was 14 in favor and 10 against, with opposition primarily from Democratic members.​

As the session nears its conclusion, we continue to monitor the situation closely.​

UPDATE HB445 4/25/25 10:30AM: (5 Days Left)  There’s is a potential that we could see a draft on Tuesday.  Study Commission has been introduced as a resolution/backup plan if nothing happens this session since they are almost out of time. 

UPDATE HB445 4/22/25 8:30AM: (6 Days Left) Things are heating up in Montgomery. The grocery and convenience store lobby is now actively working with the Senate to draft a floor amendment to HB 445—a promising shift that could benefit not only beverage brands but also retail cannabis businesses like ours. Their support gives us hope for a more reasonable outcome if there’s still time.

With only six legislative days left, the clock is ticking—and tensions are rising. Ongoing friction between the House and Senate, paired with the looming threat of a broad filibuster, could stall everything. HB 445 may very well get caught in the political crossfire, and we’re now hearing that a draft of the Senate version may not even surface this week.

It seems Rep. Andy Whitt may have assumed HB 445 would “sail through” without a hitch—but the resistance and reality are proving otherwise.

Stay tuned. We expect more clarity today and will share as soon as we know more.

UPDATE HB445 4/16/25 in the Senate at 10:30AM: (7 Days Left) They are working hard getting this bill pushed through with every aspect of their efforts. We were just informed that the Senate will be moving HB455 out of committee today & this is the last day they are in session this week.  Next week the Senate will introduce a sub bill & it will go back to the house.  We are lobbying for new language in the sub bill that fits more our needs as a group.  I’ll share more info next week! CONTACT YOUR REPS

UPDATE HB445 4/10/25 at 12:30PM: HB455 Passes House Without Discussion

HB 455 officially passed the House today with no discussion, largely due to the direct involvement of House leadership. The bill now moves to the Senate, where their team will begin drafting a substitute version. We expect to receive a copy of that draft early next week.

We will have the opportunity to meet with the chairman of the Senate committee to reiterate our goals and priorities for the bill. The Senate appears determined to move quickly, aiming to enact something before the end of the session, which is expected around May 1.

We’ll keep you updated as more details become available.

UPDATE HB445 4/10/25 at 10:30AM we were informed that they WILL vote today on HB445 after the Alfa Bill that is live streaming right now.

LIVE STREAM

We want to inform you about a significant development that could impact the availability of certain products you rely on. House Bill 445 (HB 445) has been added as a special order to be voted on in the Alabama House of Representatives today, April 10, 2025. If passed, this bill would cap all consumable hemp products at a 5 mg THC limit per serving and eliminate the sale of vapes, flower, and concentrates in Alabama. 

HB 445 aims to regulate consumable hemp products by imposing strict limits on THC content and banning certain product forms. While the bill’s proponents argue that it seeks to protect public health and prevent access by minors, we are concerned about the potential impact on adult consumers who responsibly use these products.

We all want smart regulation not prohibition of products that help people so much in our state!  Our latest challenge in the C-Store Lobbyists as they have said if it’s removed from gas stations then they will use all of their power for a full ban. 

How You Can Help:

Your voice matters. We encourage you to reach out to your local representatives to express your views on HB 445. Below is a sample email you can use:

Subject: Opposition to HB 445 – Restrictive Measures on Hemp Products

Dear [Representative’s Name],

I am writing as a concerned constituent from [Your City or District] regarding House Bill 445, which is scheduled for a vote today. While I understand the importance of regulating consumable hemp products to ensure public safety, I believe that the proposed measures in HB 445 are overly restrictive and will negatively impact responsible adult consumers.

Capping THC content at 5 mg per serving and banning the sale of vapes, flower, and concentrates will limit access to products that many individuals rely on for wellness and therapeutic purposes. I urge you to consider alternative regulations that focus on age restrictions, proper labeling, and quality control rather than imposing blanket bans and stringent limits.

Please vote against HB 445 and support a more balanced approach to hemp product regulation that considers both safety and consumer choice.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[Your Contact Information]

Contact Information for Alabama House Representatives:

To find and contact your specific representative, please use the Alabama Secretary of State’s “Find My Elected Officials” tool: Alabama Secretary of State

Alternatively, you can refer to the Alabama Legislative & Cabinet Member Directory for a comprehensive list of representatives and their contact information: ALM Online

Your engagement is crucial in shaping the outcome of this legislation. Thank you for taking the time to make your voice heard.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

UPDATE 4/3/25: Yesterday, a public hearing was held for HB 455, and it brought out a strong turnout from both sides of the debate. Many voiced opposition to the hemp-derived industry altogether, while others pushed for a full ban. The conversations were passionate, and it’s clear this bill is drawing serious attention from all angles.

Meanwhile, SB 255—a much more limited bill primarily targeting hemp-derived beverage manufacturers—was voted out of committee yesterday, marking its first step forward in the legislative process.

We’ll continue to monitor both bills closely and keep you updated as things develop. Stay tuned—there’s more to come.

SB237 & HB445 3/19: Two new bills have been introduced yesterday & today.  The first bill (SB237) was just voted down in committee with 4 yays, 4 nays & 4 that abstained. So at this point SB237 that was just introduced is dead.  Now our focus moves to the house bill that could use some work.

SB237:

Purpose of the Bill:

• The bill regulates products that contain psychoactive cannabinoids (like Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC) found in or derived from hemp.
• Currently, these products aren’t heavily regulated except that they can’t be sold to minors. This bill introduces new regulations.

Key Points:

1. Hemp Beverages Regulation:

   • Hemp-derived beverages would be regulated like beer and wine.
   • To make, distribute, or sell hemp beverages, businesses would need a license from the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.
   • Hemp beverages would face labeling, testing, and safety requirements.
   • A 10% excise tax would apply to hemp beverage sales (in addition to standard sales taxes).
   • Hemp beverages cannot be sold to individuals under 21.

2. Psychoactive Hemp Products (like gummies or tinctures):

   • Non-beverage hemp products would be treated like tobacco.
   • Businesses would need a special permit to sell these products.
   • These products would have labeling and advertising restrictions.
   • A 10% excise tax would apply to these products as well.
   • Selling to anyone under 21 would be illegal, with fines and penalties for violations.

3. Smokable Hemp Ban:

   • The bill bans the sale and possession of smokable hemp products.

4. Licensing and Penalties:

   • Businesses would need different licenses for manufacturing, distributing, and selling hemp beverages or products.
   • Civil and criminal penalties are established for violations, including fines, suspension, and loss of licenses.

5. Tax Use:

   • Revenue from the excise tax would go toward the state’s general fund, law enforcement, and regulatory expenses.

In Short:

This bill aims to regulate hemp-derived psychoactive products like THC beverages and gummies similarly to alcohol and tobacco. Businesses would need licenses, products would require testing and proper labeling, and there would be penalties for breaking the rules. Smokable hemp products would be banned outright.

HB445 

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to regulate the sale and production of hemp-derived products (like CBD and THC) in Alabama. It sets rules about:

• Who can sell and make these products
• Where they can be sold
• How they should be labeled and tested
• How much THC can be in them
• Age restrictions and penalties for breaking the rules

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Key Points

1. Who’s in Charge?
   The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC Board) will regulate all hemp-derived products. This includes:

   • Licensing manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers
   • Setting testing and labeling standards
   • Enforcing rules and punishing violations

2. Age Limit

   • You must be 21 or older to buy any hemp-derived products.
   • Retailers who sell to minors face heavy penalties.

3. Licensing Requirements

   • Manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers will need a license from the ABC Board.
   • License fees:
     • $5,000 for manufacturers and wholesalers
     • $1,000 for retailers
   • All licenses need to be renewed yearly.

4. Product Restrictions

   • THC limits:
     • Beverages and edibles – 5 mg of THC per serving
     • Other products – No more than 0.3% THC by dry weight
   • Products can’t be sold with alcohol or other intoxicating substances.
   • Packaging must be child-resistant and not appeal to minors.

5. Taxation

   • An excise tax of 7% on sales from manufacturers and wholesalers to retailers.
   • Tax revenue distribution:
     • 50% to the State General Fund
     • 25% to counties (based on population)
     • 25% to cities (based on population)

6. Testing and Labeling

   • Products must be tested by a certified lab.
   • Labels must include:
     • Ingredients list
     • THC content
     • Batch number
     • Health warnings (e.g., impairment and drug tests)
   • Products without approved labels or test results can be seized and destroyed.

7. Sales and Location Rules

   • Sales allowed only in:
     • Liquor stores
     • Dedicated hemp stores where minors aren’t allowed
   • No self-service sales or vending machines.
   • Retailers must verify age with ID.

8. Penalties

   • Selling to minors:
     • 1st offense: $5,000 fine and 90-day suspension
     • 2nd offense: $10,000 fine and 180-day suspension
     • 3rd offense: $20,000 fine and permanent license revocation
   • Mislabeling, improper sales, or other violations:
     • 1st offense: $1,000 fine
     • 2nd offense: $2,500 fine
     • 3rd offense: $5,000 fine and possible license revocation

9. Repealing Existing Law

   • The bill would repeal the current law that allows the sale of psychoactive cannabinoids.

10. Effective Date

• The law would go into effect on July 1, 2025.

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Bottom Line

• Alabama is tightening control over hemp products, especially those with THC.
• Age limits, taxes, and strict licensing rules will be in place.
• Violating these rules can lead to heavy fines, product seizures, and license loss.

SB 132 UPDATE 3/14: The senate was out of session this week but we learned during meetings that Tim Melson is preparing a new bill & we should know more on Monday the 17th. We will update more once we have the bill in our hands!

SB 132 UPDATE 3/7: This week brought another round of developments with SB 132, but the battle is far from over. A new addendum was introduced, alongside a substitute bill, which didn’t significantly differ from the original. The bill was set for discussion in committee on Thursday, but that meeting was canceled.  We are collecting donations from businesses & manufactures to help with the incredible cost of lobbying for changes in the bill with our non-profit.  We are also developing our website for Alabama Wellness Collective & that should be done in about a week.  We will be releasing a list of major companies & local businesses that are supporting the fight so you know where to shop!

While the latest version is not an outright prohibition bill, there are still major concerns that need to be addressed, including:

• The 10% tax, which—when combined with existing taxes—would push the total tax on hemp products to 20%, making them significantly more expensive for consumers.
• Milligram caps remain around 10mg, which would eliminate 60% of the products we currently carry at Magic City Organics.

Next week, we’ll be meeting with our nonprofit board members, local senators, and representatives in Bham to advocate for critical amendments to protect both businesses and consumers. This is a pivotal moment, and we’ll need everyone’s support to ensure that responsible hemp regulations don’t turn into unnecessary restrictions.

UPDATE 2/6:  A new substitute bill was introduced by Tim Melson & was discussed on 2/26 in Montgomery.  While we are pleased to see Tim Melson(R) moving away from prohibition but we still have a lot of work to do.  There’s some positive language but we are continuing to move forward with lobbying to amend the bill & add some much needed adjustments to protect the retail & manufacturing companies of Alabama.  Our Non-Profit, Alabama Wellness Collective, has hired two fantastic lobbyists one of which was behind the “Free the Hops” movement. Thank you so much to all of you who have donated in the shop to our efforts!  We truly appreciate all of you!!

Here’s some takeaways…

Overall Impact on Hemp Retailers

• Higher costs due to licensing, taxes, and compliance.
• Reduced flexibility in sourcing and selling products.
• More restrictions on marketing and product placement.
• Increased legal risks for non-compliance.
• Limited product availability if wholesalers control the supply chain.
• Low MG Products only available so those requiring stronger products would not have access.

This bill would make it harder for small and independent hemp retailers to compete, potentially pushing more business to large, established distributors and state-controlled channels.

A bill introduced 2/6/2025 by Sen. Tim Melson (R) would end the hemp industry in Alabama. There would be no safe & legal access to these cannabinoids of any form (edible, vape, flower or concentrate) and hemp cannabinoids would be reclassified as a schedule one drug like heroin stating that there is no medicinal value.  

Write and call your reps!  Send your testimonials or use the sample email below.  Even if/when medical MJ is passed in this state the access is low for issues/ailments & there are few options for consumption.

 What are we doing at MCO?

We have started the Alabama Wellness Collective (Non-Profit) with other local BHM hemp companies to lobby against the bill in Montgomery to keep safe & legal access to hemp cannabinoids in the state of Alabama. There is a sample email below & some talking points in our BLOG (CLICK HERE).

 What will your donation go to?

We are collecting donations at the shop for those that want to help our efforts to fortify our Non-Profit with lobbying, writing a new Bill to present to the state legislature in the coming session & move forward with our grassroots efforts.  Think FREE THE HOPS but FREE THE HEMP!

 Our Goal

End the fight against hemp in Alabama & move forward with a plan to legitimize the hemp industry in our state.  This is our 6th year doing this & we are ready to see change for our customers & for businesses like ours!

IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE A PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE BILL CLICK HERE

? URGENT: TELL YOUR REPS TO VOTE NO ON SB132 – PROTECT HEMP & CANNABINOIDS IN ALABAMA ?

Alabama Senate Bill SB132 is a direct attack on hemp-derived cannabinoids like THCA, Delta-9, and other naturally occurring compounds. This bill seeks to classify psychoactive hemp cannabinoids as Schedule I controlled substances, putting them in the same category as heroin—claiming they have no medical use and a high potential for abuse.

Why This Matters:

• Hemp-derived cannabinoids are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.
• Many Alabamians rely on these products for pain relief, anxiety, sleep, and general relaxation.
• SB132 will shut down hemp businesses that sell legal hemp products.
• Consumers will be forced to seek alternatives out of state or from untested sources.

This bill is moving fast, and we need YOUR help to stop it!

Take Action Today!
? Call & Email Your State Representatives – Tell them to VOTE NO on SB132 and protect legal, regulated hemp products in Alabama.

? Spread the Word! – Share this with friends, family, and business owners who will be affected.

? Find your legislators & contact them here: https://www.legislature.state.al.us

? Senators Phone & Email Links CLICK HERE

We must stand up NOW to protect access to hemp and stop this overreach on personal choice and small businesses. Let your voice be heard before it’s too late!

SAMPLE EMAIL:

Subject: VOTE NO ON SB132 – Hemp Products Are Essential for My Health

Dear [Representative’s Name],

I am writing to strongly oppose SB132, which would classify hemp-derived cannabinoids as Schedule I substances in Alabama. This bill would wrongly eliminate access to safe, legal, and beneficial hemp products that I, along with many others, rely on for my well-being.

For me, hemp-derived cannabinoids like [Delta-8, CBD, CBN, etc.—personalize based on your experience] have been life-changing. They help me manage [pain, anxiety, sleep issues, inflammation, PTSD, etc.] in a way that traditional pharmaceuticals have failed to do or come with unbearable side effects.

Why This Matters to Me and Many Others:

• Hemp products offer a safe, natural alternative to prescription drugs.
• Doctors in Alabama are sending patients to reputable hemp shops.
• Banning these products would force people to seek relief through untested sources or out-of-state options, creating unnecessary hardship.
• Many people depend on hemp cannabinoids for relief, anxiety, sleep, and overall quality of life.
• The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp, and states should not override this decision based on misinformation.

SB132 is a cruel and unnecessary restriction on people who are simply looking for relief in a safe and responsible manner. Please stand with Alabamians who rely on these products and VOTE NO on SB132.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I urge you to listen to the voices of those who would be directly harmed by this bill.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Contact Information]