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Alabama allows hemp-derived products, including delta-8 THC. However, state lawmakers filed a bill in March 2023 which seeks to prohibit the sale of delta 8 products to anyone under the age of 21. Read on to learn more about federal and Alabama delta 8 laws and how they might change.
Summary
Delta-8 THC is legal in Alabama. But a Senate Bill is trying to ban the sale of delta 8 to people under 21.
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Table of Contents
Alabama Delta-8 THC Laws
Here’s a quick timeline of delta 8 laws in Alabama:
- In April 2021, an amendment was added to Alabama House Bill 2 that would ban delta 8 and delta 10 products. A similar amendment for the state’s medical marijuana bill (SB46) was also proposed.
- However, the amendments were removed, so hemp-derived delta 8 THC remains fully legal in the Cotton State.
- Alabama state Sen. Tim Melson was planning to propose a February 2022 bill banning delta 8 but revised the bill to only limit delta 8 products to people over 18 years old.
- Melson filed Senate Bill 66 on March 21, 2023, which seeks to bans the sale of delta-8 and other psychoactive cannabinoids to anyone under 21 and imposes a 5% tax on such products.
What Is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-THC) is a type of THC — the main intoxicating component of cannabis. Cannabis has high levels of delta-9-THC, which is what most of us mean when we say “THC.”
Delta-8 is weaker than delta-9-THC. It can cause the same effects, including red eyes, increased appetite, euphoria, pain relief, and sedation (1). Since it’s weaker, delta-8 has a lower chance of causing anxiety and other side effects.
Delta-8 can be derived from hemp, in which case it’s federally legal.
Why Delta 8 THC is Federally Legal
Delta 8 THC is not included on the list of controlled substances. On top of that, it’s possible to make delta-8 THC from hemp, which became federally legal in 2018.
While the natural levels of delta-8 in both marijuana and hemp are low (less than 1%), it’s possible to turn CBD into delta 8 THC through a special chemical process. Since hemp is rich in CBD, this allows manufacturers to make legal delta 8 THC.
Keep in mind that federal authorities never expected people to find a way to make intoxicating products from hemp. That’s why delta 8’s legality is considered a loophole.
Where Is Delta-8 THC Illegal?
Delta-8 THC is currently illegal in 18 states: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia.
More states may decide to join this list.
The Future of Delta-8 in Alabama
For now, delta 8 THC is legal in Alabama. The only possible change on the horizon is that it will be restricted to adults 21 and over.
Gleb is a freelance writer from Vancouver, Canada specializing in CBD and cannabis. He’s read thousands of studies on CBD and other supplements, helping him translate complex science into plain language. Gleb has tried and reviewed dozens of CBD brands and products, written third-party testing reports, and knows the CBD industry inside and out. When not writing, he likes to kickbox, travel, and tell everyone how awesome intermittent fasting is.
