HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) – One Alabama bill is sparking debate across the state as it aims to better regulate all consumable hemp products.
Consumable hemp products mainly come in the form of gummies or infused drinks, and include Delta 8/9 or THC.
State Representative Andy Whitt, a bill sponsor, said the only current regulation of these products is that they can not be sold to minors. He believes that is not enough to keep people safe, and is looking to beef up regulations.
These products are mainly sold in convenience stores, CBD shops, grocery stores, even bars and restaurants.
HB445 would authorize the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage and Control Board to regulate these products through licensure of manufacturers, wholesale distributors and retailers.
It would also make these products available in 21-and-over stores, with a 5 mg cap per individually wrapped gummy or drink.
“These products are not the 5 mg or 3 mg that you take to go to sleep; this is intoxicating marijuana that is unchecked,” Whitt said. “It’s 50 mg, 100 mg and this is strictly for intoxication purposes.”
Many of these products look like snacks and candy that you would buy from any store. Whitt told WAFF 48 that the packaging of marketing of these items are targeting children.
“You’ve seen it explode in our grocery stores, our convenience stores, where these packs of gummies that are often marketed just to kids with Doritos, Airheads, Nerds, strawberry shortcake, this is targeting our kids,” Whitt said.
Whitt added that in 2024, there were 260 reported overdoses with these products. He said 161 of those were children.
His bill has not come without debate and controversy.
One of the main opposers is members of the Alabama Hemp and Vape Association, like Molly Cole.
Cole said that if passed, this legislation would be detrimental to their industry. Most manufacturers don’t make 5 milligram gummies, and people will be forced to close their doors.
“From the very beginning, we understand that regulation is necessary, but because no one is making that 5 milligram gummy and then you move all the products to 21 and up stores, that basically is going to shut down the industry,” Cole said.
Cole said right now, their goal is to convince state leaders to raise the cap to at least 10 mg.
“Everyone is panicking, and people are closing their doors already because they are so terrified,” Cole said. “Even if our local manufacturers are able to create a 5 milligram gummy, it’s going to take time, and the amount of time that’s going to take, you’re going to have doors close.”
Cole said hemp retailers, manufacturers and supporters will be at the state capital on Tuesday, April 29, fighting against the bill for Advocacy Day.
The House has passed this bill and is now awaiting a Senate floor vote.
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