Alabama Policy Institute Calls for Revisions to Controversial THC Regulation Bill
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama Policy Institute (API), a conservative think tank, is urging Governor Kay Ivey to either veto or amend the recently passed House Bill 445, which seeks to regulate consumable THC products, including delta-8. Authored by Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest), the bill limits THC sales to individuals over 21, sets a 10-milligram cap per serving, and mandates that sales occur in specialty shops or designated grocery store areas. A proposed 10% sales tax on THC products aims to fund enforcement of these regulations.
API argues the legislation is inadequate, claiming it allows recreational marijuana products to be accessible in locations frequented by minors. A statement from API stressed that Alabama’s laws could mirror or even be more lenient than those in states like Colorado, raising concerns about youth accessibility to THC products, which are part of a burgeoning multibillion-dollar industry spurred by the 2018 Farm Bill.
The Senate amended the bill last week, increasing the milligram limit and permitting sales in large grocery stores. The House approved these changes, sending the final version to Ivey for consideration, with her office confirming that the governor is still reviewing the bill.
API advocates for an outright ban on THC products similar to Missouri’s statewide prohibition, asserting that HB445 falls short of addressing serious public health concerns. In addition to the sales tax, the bill imposes a $1,000 annual licensing fee for retailers and escalating penalties for violations, including potential fines of up to $20,000 for repeat offenses related to selling to those under 21.
As tensions rise over the regulation of THC products, the governor’s decision on HB445 remains highly anticipated.
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