Pets do not use hemp products for recreational purposes. For thousands of animals, responsibly made CBD is a safe, natural tool that supports health, comfort, and dignity in their lives. HB 445 has created heavy restrictions around the sale of hemp-derived CBD products for pets in Alabama, making them far less accessible for families. We are calling on Alabama lawmakers to amend HB 445 and restore access to responsibly made, lab-tested CBD products for pets.

CBD can ease pain and inflammation, calm anxiety, support older pets’ cognition and mobility, improve sleep, and even provide comfort to animals facing cancer or other serious illnesses. For senior pets especially, CBD can mean more good days, more gentle nights, and more precious time with their families.

When sourced from reputable companies, CBD products for pets are not only safe but are backed by Certificates of Analysis (COAs) from third-party labs, ensuring purity, potency, and compliance with the law. There are trusted brands who go even further — using organic practices, prioritizing healthy soil where their plants are grown, and providing transparent testing to guarantee consistency and quality. Alabama’s HB 445 could limit access to these trusted companies that pet parents rely on. Not all CBD is created equal, and families deserve the ability to choose the high-quality brands that have helped their pets live healthier, more comfortable lives.

Other states have already passed laws regulating hemp products, but they made sure to protect pets from losing access. Some states have even gone further by protecting veterinarians who wish to recommend CBD as part of their patients’ care. These examples prove it is entirely possible to regulate hemp responsibly without punishing families who are simply trying to give their pets safe, natural relief.

The language of HB 445, however, is broad and directly includes pets under its restrictions: “CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCT. A finished product that is intended for human or animal consumption and that contains any part of the hemp plant or any compound, concentrate, extract, isolate, or resin derived from hemp.” — HB 445

Beginning January 1, 2026, any CBD oil or treat you currently use for your dog or cat will be considered contraband unless it is purchased through a licensed Alabama wholesaler under the state ABC Board. This change will cut off access to the high-quality, pet-focused CBD brands families have come to trust — replacing them with a system that does not account for the unique needs of animals.  This means that safe, therapeutic hemp CBD products for pets have now been made much harder to access under the same rules as human recreational use — despite the clear differences in purpose and benefit. Pets do not and cannot use CBD recreationally — every use is therapeutic. By making it harder to access, the law unfairly punishes responsible pet owners who simply want safe, natural options to support the health and comfort of their animals — animals who have given us unconditional love every day of their lives.

***Please note, when signing the petition you’ll be asked if you would like to donate and promote the petition. I am NOT asking for donations at all and I cannot seem to turn this feature off. If you choose to promote the petition then your donation just helps the petition get seen more by people.***

__________________________________________________________________________

Personal Stories:

Tink’s Story:

I have a 13-year-old dog named Tink who has a suspected brain tumor. Like many pet parents, I don’t have $3,000 to $4,000 to spend on an MRI just for confirmation — and even if I did, no matter what the findings were, I would not change my approach by putting her through major surgery or radiation. But whether or not I know the exact diagnosis, she still deserves comfort, dignity, and quality of life in her golden years.

I don’t want to drug her into disorientation just to keep her comfortable — especially when pharmaceuticals don’t offer any cancer support or potential to slow growth. CBD does. It gives her relief without leaving her groggy or off balance, and it may be doing more than I even realize by calming inflammation and helping keep the cancer from spreading. She deserves that, and I deserve to have safe, natural products at my fingertips to give her that chance.

It is devastating and unthinkable, and it’s hard to believe that lawmakers in Alabama would choose to strip pet parents of one of the few gentle, natural options we have left to care for our animals at home. - Alison B

Trevor’s Story: 

My 13-year-old Llewellin Setter, Trevor, is a Hall of Fame field trial champion and my constant companion. After a medical procedure in 2023, he developed severe anxiety, especially during car rides. Standard pharmaceuticals left him sedated and unstable, but never eased his distress.

CBD has been life-changing for him. Given before travel, it calms his panic without sedation or side effects, allowing him to simply ride in peace. It is safe, plant-based, and effective where pharmaceuticals failed.

Science supports what I see in my dog—mammals have cannabinoid receptors, showing CBD is naturally compatible with their bodies. Many reputable companies already uphold high standards of quality and testing. The real problem lies with inferior products, not with responsible use by caring owners. 

Restricting CBD for pets would remove the only safe, effective option available to many animals, causing needless suffering. For the well-being of our companions, I respectfully urge Alabama to exclude pets from CBD restrictions and preserve access to this essential support. - Jennifer D

(More testimonials will be added here to share the stories of other Alabama pets whose lives have been improved by CBD.)

___________________________________________________________________

Our Ask:

We urge Alabama lawmakers to amend HB 445 and remove restrictions on high-quality, third-party tested CBD products for pets — products that meet clear safety guidelines, contain less than 0.3% THC, and provide a Certificates of Analysis (COA). Families deserve access to safe and effective natural remedies that support the health and comfort of the animals we love.

Call to Action: Please sign this petition to tell lawmakers: Don't take away one of the most valuable tools we have to support our pets' health, comfort and dignity. Please sign this petition on Change.org to tell lawmakers: Don’t take away one of the most valuable tools we have to support our pets’ health, comfort, and dignity.

Update September 2025:

We’ve now learned from the Alabama ABC Board that lawmakers did not give them any legal way to license pet businesses to sell hemp products under HB 445. That means there is currently no legal path for responsible pet retailers or holistic businesses to continue offering high-quality, compliant hemp products for pets in Alabama.

We’re encouraging everyone to keep signing and sharing this petition so we can continue monitoring the situation and show lawmakers that Alabamians want to see this law amended. Our goal is to create a clear, responsible licensing pathway for pet businesses that meet the standards of safety and quality this law was meant to uphold.

For now, the best advice we can give is to stock up when possible—especially if your dog relies on hemp-based products for serious health concerns such as cancer, autoimmune disease, seizures, or simply to stay comfortable in their senior years. We suggest having at least a six-month supply going into 2026, as we continue working to get this law amended after the first of the year.