CBD shop owners in Alabama are grappling with potential closures as the state has not issued required licenses on time, leaving them unable to operate under new regulations. A law that took effect on January 1, 2026, mandates that consumable hemp products can only be sold by retailers licensed by the Alabama ABC Board. As a result, many store owners, including Ocean Jones of Healthy Harvest CBD in Mobile, are facing significant disruptions.
Jones was forced to temporarily close his store because he has not yet received his license. He expressed frustration, stating, “This matter of impossibility where you’re saying, I have to have this license, yet you cannot, literally, physically cannot provide it to me right now.” He has completed the necessary pre-application forms and submitted extensive documentation, yet the process has stalled.
The challenges are not isolated to Jones. Amy and Roger Crawford had to shut down their Sunmed Modern Wellness store in Orange Beach for the same reason. Amy Crawford lamented, “It’s like it’s not even a priority for them at all.” Roger Crawford added, “It was our own government that got in bed with these two entities that put us out of business.” The couple had been working diligently since December to secure their license, but their efforts have gone unrewarded.
Many in the industry had hoped for a grace period that would allow them to operate while waiting for licenses. The Crawfords, who previously overcame homelessness to establish their business, view the situation as a betrayal. Roger reflected on their journey, saying, “These products saved our lives. This plant heals you.”
The licensing issue is part of a broader trend that has severely impacted the CBD retail market in Alabama. In July 2025, a law banning the sale of smokeable hemp products took effect, which Jones reported accounted for approximately 70% of his business. He noted that in six years, he has seen a decline from four store locations and 20 employees to just two stores and five employees.
“The thing that bothers me is that alcohol is far more harmful by every single metric than cannabis. Yet, cannabis gets all of this scrutiny, all of this regulation. Why? What’s the reason for that? The only explanation is special interests,” Jones said.
The Alabama ABC Board has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the number of applications received and approved, as well as the criticism surrounding the delays. An update will be provided if any information becomes available.
As the situation unfolds, the future of CBD retail in Alabama remains uncertain, with shop owners calling for urgent action to address the licensing backlog. The implications of these closures extend beyond business; they affect the livelihoods of many who have turned to these products for health and wellness solutions.
