This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Cannabis law is rapidly evolving, and details change frequently through legislation, rulemaking, and court decisions. The information here may become outdated or incomplete. Always verify current state statutes, regulations, and local ordinances, and consult a qualified attorney or regulatory expert before taking any action regarding cannabis.
Cannabis laws in Alabama remain among the most restrictive in the United States. While many states have legalized recreational use or operate mature medical cannabis programs, Alabama has moved cautiously—focusing primarily on limited medical access. For both residents and visitors, understanding Alabama’s cannabis laws is crucial, as penalties for unlawful possession or trafficking can be severe. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Alabama’s cannabis laws, including possession limits, taxation, consumption restrictions, cultivation rules, and more.
As of 2025, recreational cannabis remains illegal in Alabama. Possession, sale, and distribution of cannabis for non-medical purposes are prohibited under state law. First-time possession of small personal amounts is typically a misdemeanor, while repeat or larger offenses can result in felony charges.
However, medical cannabis was legalized in 2021 under the Alabama Compassion Act (SB 46), allowing registered patients to access cannabis-derived medicines. Implementation of this program has been slow due to licensing disputes and court challenges.
In 2025, House Bill 445 introduced new regulations for hemp-derived THC products, banning smokable hemp (such as vapes and hemp cigarettes) starting July 1, 2025. This law highlights the evolving nature of Alabama’s cannabis and hemp policies.
In short: recreational cannabis remains illegal; medical cannabis is legal but not yet fully operational statewide; and hemp-derived THC products are now more tightly regulated.
Since recreational cannabis is still illegal, there are no official possession or purchase limits for adult-use cannabis in Alabama. The examples below are hypothetical and reflect typical limits in legalized states—not Alabama’s current law.
Under HB 445, consumable hemp and THC products are also restricted by age, packaging, and labeling laws, and smokable hemp products are banned entirely.
Alabama imposes a privilege tax on licensed medical cannabis businesses, based on their Alabama-apportioned net worth. Rates range from $0.25 to $1.75 per $1,000 of net worth, with a minimum of $100 and a maximum of $15,000.
Effective January 1, 2022, Alabama levies a 9% tax on the gross proceeds of medical cannabis retail sales. This tax functions similarly to a sales or excise tax applied at the point of purchase.
Starting July 1, 2025, a 10% excise tax applies to retail sales of consumable hemp products containing THC.
Scenario A: Medical Purchase (Current Law)
Scenario B: Hypothetical Recreational Purchase
Recreational home cultivation is currently illegal in Alabama. Only licensed cultivators may grow cannabis under the state’s medical program.
Medical cannabis legalized in 2021; hemp-derived THC regulation (HB 445) effective July 1, 2025.
Only medical cannabis under the Alabama Compassion Act is legal; recreational use remains illegal.
Under the medical cannabis program, edible and oil-based formats may be allowed. Under HB 445, hemp consumables are legal but capped at 10 mg THC per serving and 40 mg per package.
No. Recreational home cultivation is illegal. Only licensed cultivators may grow for the medical program.
Yes — under HB 445, hemp products must not exceed 10 mg THC per serving or 40 mg per container.
No. Alabama requires patients to obtain a state-issued medical cannabis card.
No. It is illegal under both federal and state law to cross state lines with cannabis or THC products.