Senate Bill 132 introduced by State Senator Tim Melson, a Republican from Florence, who represents district one, looks to ban certain hemp and cannabis products in Alabama. Melson, an anesthesiologist, is looking to ban products containing Delta 8, 9, and 10 or THC derived from hemp products. If passed, SB132 would classify these psychoactive cannabinoids as Schedule I controlled substances, in the same class as LSD or heroin. This would remove many commonly over the counter products available in shops and gas stations.
Many Alabamians have voiced opposition to the bill, stating they rely on the products for pain relief, or for emotional health. It is also receiving push back from those in the farm industry and retail stores that carry the product. They state the ban would carry negative economic impacts to the state. Many people making a living around the industry, from farming and cultivation, processing, and sales. They also claim that besides making criminals out of many good people, once you limit the legal sale of such products, people would simply turn to black market and illegal means to continue to acquire the products. They ask why if alcohol sales are legal, which many consider even more dangerous, why are these products being targeted?
Such products have gained popularity among all sorts of people dealing with cancer, chronic pain, anxiety, trouble sleeping, panic attacks, depression,bi polar disorder, or simply the inability to relax. The products are not currently authorized or approved by the FDA, and the full benefits or consequences of use are not fully known. Supporters of the bill claim it is unregulated, and dangerous, with users ending up hospitalized with dangerous medical issues. They say if can lead to hallucinations, seizures, and long term medical issues. The bill would not effect marijuana laws, or medical marijuana in Alabama.
Delta 8, delta 9, and delta 10 are all different THC forms. The THC found in cannabis plants is typically delta 9 THC. Delta 8 is derived from Hemp. Cannabis plants contain dozens of different cannabinoids. These plant-based chemicals each have their own unique effects on the human body. While marijuana is still considered illegal federally in the US, the laws are not highly enforced. Many states have declared it legal by state law, and there is little danger of being prosecuted for personal use. That is not the case though in many states, including Alabama. The popularity of THC products derived from Hemp with Delta 8, have risen in many of these areas, as a potentially legal way to get the effects of THC, both medically and recreationally. Delta 8 products are typically made by synthetically converting CBD or delta 9 THC into delta 8.
Federally, Delta 8 is considered legal for use, due to the Farm Bill of 2018. That bill made hemp legal to grow and farm in the US. It was after the passing of the bill, that products started popping up on shelves around the country. Entire shops are dedicated to that and CBD now in Alabama. The Farm Bill though, was focused specifically on Delta 9, and there is some legal gray area, which is what some states, including this Alabama bill, look to clarify. Many states have banned synthetic cannabinoids all together.
If the law were to pass, it could go into effect as early as October of this year. Violation of the law could carry a sentence of up to 5 years in prison. It it currently pending action in the Senate Committee on Healthcare. We will monitor the bill as it continues through the legal process, and update you if any new information becomes available.
