In response to Rep. Andy Whitt’s attack on the Alabama Policy Institute (API) and its position on the regulation of hemp products, at no point has any API employee made any reference to Whitt or his integrity regarding his sponsorship of HB445. But API has been consistent for many years regarding the negative societal impacts of the legalization and recreational use of illegal drugs.
API’s entire focus has been on the harmful impacts that hemp-derived psychoactive THC has on its users and its broader negative effects on society. We have made comparisons to Colorado, where it is illegal to make and sell THC products that have been manufactured from hemp-derived psychoactive cannabinoids due to the harmful chemicals used to make these products. While non-synthetic recreational marijuana is legal in Colorado, edible products are limited to no more than 10mg of THC per serving, the exact same limit in HB445 as passed by the Alabama Legislature.
This is fact, not fiction. Even Colorado recognizes the serious health and psychological dangers of synthetic hemp-derived THC and banned it.
A loophole was created by the Federal Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Farm Bill), however. The main intent of that legislation was to remove hemp from the list of controlled substances, allowing farmers to produce it for commercial purposes such as textiles, paper, construction materials, non-psychoactive food products, and bioplastics. The unintended consequences of the Farm Bill led to the proliferation of unregulated THC products derived from hemp through chemical processing and alteration, aimed at increasing potency and psychoactive effects. Unfortunately, that loophole is being utilized by businesses and dispensaries in Alabama to provide an alternative to traditional recreational marijuana without legal repercussion.
Additionally, the amended bill also allows drinkable THC in grocery stores across the state, locations frequented by Alabama’s youngest citizens. API stands by our assertion that hemp-derived psychoactive THC products should be banned entirely.
We believe that the legislative aim to limit access to psychoactive THC has unfortunately fallen short. If Gov. Ivey signs or allows HB445 to become law, the state of Alabama will be condoning the recreational use of dangerous products and profiting off the increased addiction of Alabama's citizens.
Stephanie Holden Smith is president and CEO of Alabama Policy Institute.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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