House Bill 590 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Phillip RigsbyRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Consumable hemp products; exempt pharmacies selling consumable hemp products from licensing and oversight by ABC Board; Pharmacy Board required to enforce consumable hemp safety requirements for pharmacies

Summary

The bill would let Alabama pharmacies sell consumable hemp products at retail without ABC licensing, under Pharmacy Board oversight and with safety and age requirements, while preserving certain licensing rules for non-pharmacy retailers.

What This Bill Does

It creates a new provision allowing pharmacies with a valid Alabama Board of Pharmacy permit to sell consumable hemp products at retail without ABC Board licensing, so long as products meet testing, labeling, packaging, and safety standards. The Alabama Board of Pharmacy would enforce these provisions and may adopt rules to implement them. It also amends existing law to specify how topical/sublingual hemp products can be sold in pharmacies and how beverages containing hemp can be sold in retail stores, including age restrictions (21+), supervision rules for sales staff, and licensing and display requirements. The act takes effect on June 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Pharmacies in Alabama with a valid Alabama Board of Pharmacy permit can sell consumable hemp products at retail without ABC licensing (subject to safety requirements).
• The Alabama Board of Pharmacy will enforce the new provisions and may adopt rules.
• Consumers aged 21 and older may purchase consumable hemp products from pharmacies.
• Non-pharmacy retailers selling consumable hemp products and hemp beverages will continue to operate under ABC licensing and related rules.
• Pharmacists and pharmacy staff (including licensed pharmacists and supervised technicians/employees) will handle sales and ensure compliance.

Key Provisions

• Adds Section 28-12-6 authorizing pharmacies with a valid Board of Pharmacy permit to sell consumable hemp products at retail without an ABC license, if the pharmacy meets requirements (sold by a licensed pharmacist or under direct supervision; 21+ age; compliance with testing, labeling, packaging, and Article 2 safety rules).
• The Alabama Board of Pharmacy shall enforce this section and may adopt rules to implement it.
• Amends Section 28-12-45 to address sales of topical/sublingual hemp products in pharmacies (requiring a consumable hemp product retailer license from the ABC Board and compliance with chapter and board rules) and sales of hemp beverages in retail food stores with specific setup and licensing requirements.
• Retail food stores selling hemp beverages must have dedicated areas, be behind glass, and restrict access to 21+; stores must meet size/space requirements and maintain a minimum sales area.
• Pharmacies must display their license visibly at the licensed premises, and sales areas must have staff present when open.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 10, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco