Huntsville proposes zoning update to reflect Alabama’s new hemp law
Published on February 25, 2026
Specialty hemp stores would follow same location rules as liquor stores
The Huntsville Planning Commission approved a proposed zoning update following Alabama’s new law allowing the sale of certain consumable hemp products.
The state law, which took effect Jan. 1, places regulation under the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and generally allows consumable hemp products to be sold in:
- Businesses licensed to sell liquor for off premises consumption only
- Grocery stores larger than 14,000 square feet
- Pharmacies
- Stand-alone specialty consumable hemp retail stores
What the City is proposing
Because stand-alone consumable hemp stores are a new retail category, City planners are proposing to treat them similarly to package liquor stores when it comes to where they can locate. That means specialty consumable hemp retailers operating as their own business would:
- Be limited to certain commercial and industrial zoning districts
- Meet the same distance requirements from neighborhoods, schools and churches
- Follow spacing requirements from other consumable hemp retailers and package liquor stores having consumable hemp licenses
- Meet frontage requirements on major roads in certain districts
Consumable hemp products sold inside grocery stores must meet the same requirements for selling beer or wine for off-premises consumption and pharmacies would continue to follow the zoning rules that already apply to those types of businesses.
Maintaining consistency and neighborhood protections
City officials say the proposal does not create new commercial zones or expand where these businesses can operate. Instead, it ensures consumable hemp retail sales follow clear guidelines already in place for similar regulated products.
“This proposal brings clarity for business owners and residents,” said Thomas Nunez, Manager of Planning Services. “It aligns with state law while maintaining consistent standards that protect neighborhoods and nearby schools and churches.”
The proposal now moves to the Huntsville City Council for a public hearing and final consideration on March 26.