Strict new rules due to HB445 led to the shutdown of a small business owner's establishment

In the heart of Clanton, Alabama, Diane Moore's store, A Moore Healthy Life, once thrived, offering a range of CBD products to help improve the lives of her customers. However, the landscape of Alabama's CBD market has drastically changed, and Moore's business is now a thing of the past.

Diane Moore founded A Moore Healthy Life in 2019, initially focusing on CBD oil products. As the demand for hemp-based products grew, Moore expanded her business to include smokable hemp, edible gummies, CBD oils, and tinctures. Moore's son, who is 36, moved into the store in 2023 after becoming severely ill and losing his job and insurance coverage.

However, Alabama's House Bill 445, passed in 2023, imposed strict new restrictions on hemp and CBD products. The regulations, effective July 1, 2025, have had significant negative impacts on small businesses like Moore’s. The new regulations include an outright ban on smokable products, online direct-to-consumer sales, limits on THC levels, and new packaging restrictions.

The short notice period between the bill's passage and effective date caused confusion, making it impossible for Moore to make timely changes. As a result, Moore was forced to close her store by August 1, 2023, as she could no longer sell the permitted products.

Moore's personal life has also been affected by the closure of her store. She and her son are now homeless due to their inability to pay the rent. Moore believes that the new regulations are aimed at putting small businesses out of business rather than protecting children.

Despite the challenges, Moore has had success in helping customers achieve specific goals, such as a good night's sleep, relief from aches and pains, and reduction of anxiety. Moore feels that cannabis should be available to the public and that it should be considered a gift from God.

Moore has educated her customers about the benefits of cannabis and the endocannabinoid system. She believes that hemp products should be treated in a similar fashion to alcohol, with responsible use being encouraged and only those who abuse the products facing legal repercussions.

Moore has helped many people with CBD and hemp products, including the elderly and those trying to get off other drugs. She believes that cannabis is not harmful and has helped many people without causing damage to their health.

As Moore looks to the future, she does not see a path to reopening A Moore Healthy Life due to the new regulations imposed by HB445. Moore is afraid to work in the cannabis industry in Alabama due to the new regulations.

Despite the challenges, Moore remains hopeful that one day, cannabis will be fully accepted and regulated in a way that supports small businesses like hers and continues to help those in need.

[1] Alabama's New CBD Law: Strict Regulations Reshape Market

[2] Alabama's CBD Regulations: What Retailers Need to Know

[3] Alabama's House Bill 445: A New Era for Hemp and CBD

[4] Small CBD Retailers Struggle Under Alabama's New Regulations

Strict new rules due to HB445 led to the shutdown of a small business owner's establishment