Mobile Passes New Hemp Sales Law
By Dale Hines
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
April 2, 2026
MOBILE, AL. About a week after the city of Fairhope passed an ordinance to allow hemp sales in their city, Mobile has passed a similar local law allowing the sale of consumable hemp products within city limits.
The measure passed unanimously, creating a local approval process for businesses looking to sell hemp products after months of uncertainty tied to new state regulations.
Hemp is in the family of marijuana and does have a small amount of THC but is commonly used to make ropes and for other industrial purposes including some bath products.
Under Alabama law that took effect earlier this year, hemp retailers must meet stricter requirements and receive approval from both the state and their local government before operating. That left many businesses unable to legally sell products while waiting for cities like Mobile to act.
The newly approved ordinance establishes a system that is similar to the alcohol licensing process, requiring businesses to go through the city first before seeking final approval from the state.
Council members say that structure gives them more oversight.
With the ordinance now in place, city officials say applications could begin moving forward soon, potentially allowing some businesses to reopen in the coming weeks.
“It’s going to follow the same process as an ABC license,” councilmember Josh Woods said, adding it allows leaders to review what businesses are coming into their districts on a regular basis.
Councilmember Ben Reynolds said he worries about vacant or subleased storefronts in shopping centers quickly turning into new smoke or hemp shops, and said the ordinance helps the city take a closer look at those locations before approving them. He also emphasized the need to prevent an overconcentration of stores. “We don’t want to see a situation where shops start popping up on every corner,” adding that protections are needed to safeguard the community long-term.
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