BY STEVEN STIEFEL FOR THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — A month after Alabama lawmakers banned THC and CBD products from retail stores, local retailers say the industry faces devastation. Gov. Kay Ivey signed legislation that taxes, regulates and restricts the sale of consumable products containing hemp-derived THC. The law requires retailers to obtain a license from the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and limits sales to stores serving customers 21 and older. It also bans smokable hemp. As of July 1, possession or sale of flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, dabs or inhalables became Class C felonies, punishable by one to 10 years in prison. Bradley Haddon, owner of Top Shelf Alternatives on Geneva Street in Opelika, said the law forced him to lay off all but one employee. “The law complete

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