Alabama Senate Bill Would Ban Beverages With Psychoactive Cannabinoids
- State Senator Shay Shelnutt filed Senate Bill 182 to ban the sale of beverages containing psychoactive cannabinoids in Alabama, with exceptions for the medical marijuana program.
- The bill specifically targets delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 THC, and would categorize delta-9 THC as a psychoactive cannabinoid in the state's definition.
- Offenders who sell, distribute, or market such beverages would face a Class B misdemeanor under SB 182, effective starting October 1, 2025.
- If passed, this law would further restrict access to hemp-derived cannabinoids in beverage form, strengthening Alabama's already strict marijuana regulations.
State Senator Shay Shelnutt (R) filed Senate Bill 182 today, and it has been assigned to the Senate Healthcare Committee. The bill would ban the sale of any beverage containing psychoactive cannabinoids, including delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 THC, with exceptions for Alabama’s medical marijuana program. It would also formally include delta-9 THC in the state’s definition of psychoactive cannabinoids.
Under SB 182, anyone who sells, distributes, or markets a beverage containing psychoactive cannabinoids would be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. If passed, the law would take effect on October 1, 2025. Alabama strictly regulates marijuana, with only a limited medical program in place. Recreational use remains illegal, and possession of any amount for personal use is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $6,000. A second offense or possession with intent to distribute can lead to felony charges, with prison sentences ranging from one to ten years.
If enacted, SB 182 would further restrict access to hemp-derived cannabinoids, particularly in beverage form, adding to Alabama’s already stringent marijuana-related laws.