As of Aug. 1, psychoactive cannabinoid products in Alabama must be behind the counter or in an area inaccessible to those younger than 21 and packaged in child-resistant containers. Act No. 2023-169, by Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, and Rep. Russell Bedsole, R-Alabaster, prohibits selling hemp-derived products such as delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol and delta-10-tetrahydrocannabinol to those younger than 21. Delta 8 has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA.
>> See FDA statement on cannabidiol (CBD) products
The new law will “move those products behind the counter and you must be 21” to purchase them, Bedsole said.
It also sets out the penalties for those under 21 caught possessing psychoactive cannabinoids. On third offense, underage individuals in possession of psychoactive cannabinoids would be fined for each violation or serve community service that equals the value of the fine.
Sellers who violate the provisions of the bill could be sentenced to a Class B misdemeanor.
Bedsole and several other representatives expressed concern because these unregulated products are being marketed in a form that resembles candy.
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