Kay Ivey signs controversial law regulating hemp products in Alabama

In Alabama, Governor Kay Ivey signed a new law on May 6, 2023, imposing restrictions on the sale of consumable hemp products, including gummies and drinks that contain cannabinoids. This legislation is particularly noteworthy as it not only limits the amount of THC allowed in these products to 10mg per serving and 40mg per package, but also bans the sale of smokable hemp, effectively eliminating a significant segment of the market. The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board is authorized to regulate these products, which can only be sold by licensed retailers and not through online sales or onsite consumption. The bill, which faced strong opposition from small business owners and the hemp industry, sparked concerns about its potential impact on local enterprises. Store owners claimed that this legislation would harm their businesses and limit consumer access to alternative products that have become vital for many individuals seeking relief from issues such as chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Entrepreneurs expressed that the new law could extinguish small businesses and local jobs, emphasizing that many small operators rely on the sale of hemp-derived products for sustenance and growth. On the opposing side of the argument, conservative groups advocated for the new regulations, fearing that the unregulated sale of THC products could lead to recreational abuse, particularly among youth. According to Republican State Representative Andy Whitt, the bill was designed to safeguard children by placing control on previously unrestricted hemp products. He and supporters of the legislation argue that the new rules aim to provide necessary oversight in an industry perceived as emerging and potentially hazardous to the public. The consequences of this legislation are unfolding within the context of ongoing debates surrounding cannabis legalization and regulation in the United States. With other states taking varying approaches—some just banning smokable products and others adopting more permissive frameworks—the struggle between public health concerns and economic interests continues to intensify. The Alabama hemp industry is anticipated to challenge the new regulations legally, highlighting the broader conflict between law enforcement, public health objectives, and entrepreneurial interests in this evolving field.