In an amusing series of events, both the extreme opponents to marijuana and those who support its legalization are calling on Gov. Kay Ivey to veto legislation regulating psychoactive cannabinoids like Delta 8.
House Bill 445 (HB445) by State Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest) would authorize the Alabama ABC Board to regulate all consumable hemp products by licensing manufacturers, wholesale distributors and retailers.
It would also limit sales to people over 21 and restrict retail establishments that sell consumable hemp products to existing liquor stores or other locations that minors may not access, with penalties provided. It would also add requirements for labeling and testing, limit the amount of THC that can be in consumable hemp products to 10 milligrams and levy an excise tax.
All vape products are banned under the bill, as are hemp flowers, which are infused with sundry cannabinoids.
Shop owners, sellers and distributors of cannabinoids have objected vehemently to the bill over the potential loss of livelihood and attempts at government regulation and restriction.
Despite the pushback, the bill cleared the House and Senate after debate and emendation last week. It now awaits Ivey's signature before it can become law.
On the other hand, groups that have opposed marijuana legalization in any form, such as Eagle Forum of Alabama, ALCAP, and API, also slammed the bill as the state officially sanctioning the sale of a drug they perceive to be harmful, especially to children.
In a unique moment of unanimity, some in both groups are now calling on Ivey to veto the bill.
"The Alabama Legislature voted to legalize recreational marijuana in the State of Alabama this week," API wrote in its call for a veto. "Marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug. API stands opposed to the state condoning and taxing the illegal drug use of its citizens. Picking winners and losers with spotty regulation and low taxation isn't the answer. If this bill is signed, the real losers will be the citizens of Alabama dealing with the aftermath of drugs being sold legally statewide in grocery stores, in state-sanctioned stores, and in stores in every community."
Meanwhile, an online petition from those who prefer the existing system has gone live, gaining over 1,500 signatures in the last week.
"House Bill 445, recently passed by the Alabama legislature, presents significant challenges and potential harm to vulnerable communities in our state," the petition reads. "HB445 aims to implement legislation that threatens to undermine important civil rights protections and could disproportionately affect marginalized groups, including minority communities and the economically disadvantaged."
It continues, "Urging a veto of HB445 is not just about preventing potential harms but also about steering our state towards a more progressive, fair, and inclusive future. Let's take a stand today to protect the rights of everyone in Alabama and make our state a beacon of hope and equality."
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