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Calera police say new state hemp/THC law narrows retail sales but enforcement will largely rest with ABC board
Summary
Chief briefed the council on a recently signed state law that restricts retail hemp/THC sales to ABC‑licensed 21+ establishments with third‑party testing effective July 1; local enforcement will rely on referrals to the state ABC board and city business‑license documentation.
The Calera police chief told the council that a new state law signed by the governor will restrict retail sales of hemp and THC products to establishments licensed by the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) board and limit sales to customers 21 and older, while also requiring third‑party product testing.
Chief said the law (effective July 1) removes gas stations from permitted sellers and bans smokable hemp products from being sold in convenience outlets. The chief said the law will limit the number of outlets and require products sold at ABC‑licensed stores to have third‑party laboratory testing so retailers and consumers have product verification.
Council members and police noted a persistent enforcement gap: the ABC board is the primary regulator and is understaffed, meaning local police rely on referrals and documentation collected via business‑license inspections to build cases. Chief suggested writing incident reports and using business‑license processes as a local enforcement tool if repeated violations occur.
Council discussed community concerns about youth access, on‑site use at stores and billboards promoting such retailers. The chief encouraged continued referrals to ABC and said the city will continue case visits and business‑license enforcement where appropriate.
The council also highlighted a related local resource: an upcoming mental‑health panel and the county’s recently hired mental‑health officer who can assist families and coordinate referrals.
