Despite considerable opposition from a segment of the Alabama business community, several state lawmakers have pushed forward with efforts to impose strict regulations on psychoactive cannabinoid products such as delta-8 and THC-infused drinks, products derived from cannabis or hemp.
"In 2023, the Alabama Poison Information Center investigated 235 cases involving delta-8, and more than 40% of calls were for children six and under," Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Harvest, wrote in a recent op-ed. Whitt recently filed House Bill 445, which would impose strict regulations on all consumable hemp products, similar to how alcohol is regulated.
"…This will be a challenging undertaking, but I believe that any measure aimed at protecting the future of our state is one that lawmakers must seriously consider."
Whitt is not alone in his efforts to regulate psychoactive cannabinoid products, which have exploded into a multibillion-dollar industry since the production and sale of hemp products was legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill, an unintentional side effect of the federal legislation.
Read more at Alabama Daily News