Attorney General's Press Conference Sheds Light on Hemp Store Raids

A Closer Look at the Controversy Surrounding Recent Enforcement Actions

June 27, 2025 – MONTGOMERY, AL - Attorney General Steve Marshall (R) addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the recent raids on hemp stores across the state. The enforcement actions have sparked intense debate among business owners, legislators, and the public, raising questions about the interpretation of hemp-related laws and the future of the burgeoning industry. The Attorney General sought to clarify the rationale behind the raids while outlining potential paths forward for regulating hemp-derived products.

At the press conference, AG Marshall made it clear that the recent raids on CBD and vape shops were not about hemp, but about what he called "illegal marijuana." He stated:

"Let's make it abundantly clear: this is not hemp. This is marijuana," Marshall said. "This is an illegal marijuana operation despite the labeling, despite what may be represented. This is illicit drugs, and as opposed to going to a local drug dealer to buy your marijuana, this was going to a storefront. Either way it's illegal activity."

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and the Attorney General's Office emphasized that the products seized during the June 23 raids often contained THC levels far exceeding the legal 0.3% Delta-9 THC limit, sometimes 3–4 times higher. ALEA officials also highlighted public safety concerns, especially regarding products that resemble candy or snacks, which could be accidentally consumed by children.

The Context of the Raids

Over the past few months, hemp stores have proliferated across the state, selling a range of products derived from industrial hemp, including CBD oils, edibles, and topicals. While the 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp and its derivatives containing less than 0.3% THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis), the regulatory landscape remains complex. States retain the power to regulate hemp products within their borders, leading to a patchwork of laws and enforcement practices.

Law enforcement says that the raids targeted stores suspected of selling products exceeding the legal THC threshold or containing synthetic cannabinoids. According to the Attorney General, these actions were driven by consumer safety concerns and the need to ensure compliance with existing laws. However, the raids have drawn criticism from business owners who claim they were operating within the law and from advocates who argue that enforcement disproportionately targets small businesses.

Key Points from the Press Conference

During the press conference, the Attorney General emphasized three primary justifications for the raids:

1. Ensuring Consumer Safety

The Attorney General highlighted reports of unsafe and mislabeled products being sold in hemp stores, including items containing untested synthetic cannabinoids. These substances, which mimic the effects of THC, have been linked to adverse health effects and are not approved under federal or state regulations.

"Our priority is to protect consumers," Marshall stated. "We cannot allow unsafe products to flood the market under the guise of legality."

2. Clarifying the Legal Landscape

The Attorney General acknowledged the confusion surrounding hemp regulations, particularly regarding delta-8 THC, a compound derived from hemp that has gained popularity for its psychoactive effects. While delta-8 THC is not explicitly banned under federal law, several states have moved to restrict its sale. Law enforcement officials argued that some products seized in the raids exceeded permissible THC levels or were improperly labeled, necessitating action to uphold the law.

3. Combating the Illicit Market

Another key focus of the enforcement actions was cracking down on illegal cannabis products being sold under the pretense of hemp.

"We have evidence that some businesses were knowingly selling products that far exceeded legal THC limits," Marshall added. "This is not a crackdown on the hemp industry as a whole but a targeted effort to root out bad actors."

Industry and Public Reactions

The press conference did little to quell the concerns of hemp store owners, many of whom have voiced frustration over the lack of clear guidance and communication from regulators. "We are small business owners trying to navigate a complicated legal environment," said one store owner whose shop was raided. "Instead of criminalizing us, the state should work with us to create a fair and transparent regulatory framework."

Advocates for hemp and cannabis reform also criticized the raids, arguing that they reflect outdated attitudes toward cannabis-related products.

"The hemp industry is a vital part of our economy and has the potential to revolutionize wellness and agriculture," said a representative from a local advocacy group. "Heavy-handed enforcement actions like these only serve to stifle innovation and harm small businesses."

On the other hand, some public health experts and law enforcement officials supported the Attorney General's stance, citing the need to address the proliferation of unregulated and potentially harmful products. "The lack of oversight in this market is a ticking time bomb," one official remarked. "We need stricter regulations to ensure consumer safety and to prevent abuses of the system."

Proposed Next Steps

In response to the backlash, the Attorney General announced plans to establish a task force to review the state's hemp regulations and recommend updates to align them with the evolving industry. The task force will include representatives from the hemp industry, public health experts, lawmakers, and consumer advocates to ensure a balanced approach.

"We recognize the need for clarity and consistency in our regulations," Marshall said. "Our goal is to create a framework that supports the growth of the hemp industry while ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens.'

Additionally, the Attorney General proposed hosting public forums to gather input from stakeholders and to educate the public about the differences between legal hemp products and illegal cannabis derivatives. The forums are intended to foster dialogue and build trust between regulators and the hemp community.

Looking Ahead

The Attorney General's press conference marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over hemp regulation. While the enforcement actions have underscored the importance of consumer safety and legal compliance, they have also highlighted the urgent need for a clearer and more cohesive regulatory framework. As the state moves forward with its review of hemp laws, the balance between fostering industry growth and protecting public safety will remain at the forefront of the conversation.

For now, the future of hemp stores in the state hangs in the balance. The outcome of the task force's recommendations and subsequent regulatory changes will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of this emerging industry. Business owners, consumers, and advocates alike will be watching closely, hoping for solutions that support innovation while addressing legitimate concerns.