Alabama

Alabama’s SB 132  narrows the THC exemption in Alabama’s controlled substances act by stating that only non-psychoactive cannabinoids from hemp are exempt. The intent of the bill is to treat delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 THC are controlled substances, leaving in question whether any hemp THC products would be exempt.  

 

HB 445 sets a new regulatory framework for consumable hemp products, placing this regulation under the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.  As written, hemp beverages and consumable products would be limited to 5mg THC per serving, while all other hemp products would be limited to 0.3% total THC on a dry weight basis.  The bill also restricts the retail sale of consumable hemp products to existing liquor stores and other locations that are inaccessible to minors.

 

Alternatively, Alabama’s SB 255 establishes a regulatory framework for the sale and distribution of hemp products under the authority of the state’s Department of Revenue. A 6% tax would be levied on the sale of all cannabinoid products and the proceeds would fund the new Novel Cannabinoid Safety Fund.  All retail licensure fees, civil penalties, and tax proceeds would be deposited into this fund to protect the public from unregulated cannabinoid products.

 

Banning hemp products is a step backwards. A ban will reduce economic opportunities for hemp farmers and small businesses and take products away from consumers who have come to rely on them for their health and wellness.

 

Rather than ban hemp-derived THC products, please ask legislators to consider a regulatory framework which models what many other states have chosen—stronger enforcement, licensing for manufacturers and sellers, independent testing of hemp products, adequate labeling which prohibits child-enticing images, and age restrictions for consumable hemp products. Rather than banning hemp THC products, these reasonable restrictions ensure that adult consumers have direct access to the products they need, while keeping intoxicating products out of the hands of children.

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