Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Bill SB274

Introduced

4/1/25

Refer

4/1/25

Report Pass

4/9/25

Caption

Psychoactive derivatives of CBD; Possession prohibited; criminal penalties provided for violations

Impact

If enacted, SB274 would impose strict legal boundaries on the availability of these psychoactive cannabinoids within Alabama. It prescribes criminal penalties for violations, including class misdemeanors and felonies, depending on the nature and frequency of the offense. Specifically, the sale or distribution of these substances to individuals under the age of 21 would lead to significant legal ramifications, while individuals under 21 found in possession of these cannabinoids would face fines or community service, significantly tightening the legal framework around cannabinoid sales.

Summary

SB274 aims to amend existing Alabama law regarding the possession and sale of psychoactive cannabinoids, specifically cannabinoids that are derived from hemp, such as delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 tetrahydrocannabinol. This bill seeks to prohibit the possession and sale of these psychoactive substances, with exceptions only for medical cannabis as per existing laws. The intended effect of SB274 is to enhance regulations concerning these cannabinoids, ostensibly to protect minors from potential harm associated with their use.

Contention

Discussion surrounding SB274 may revolve around concerns regarding personal freedom, public health, and the regulatory landscape of cannabis in Alabama. Supporters of the bill argue for public safety and the prevention of underage access to psychoactive substances, while opponents could raise issues regarding personal liberties and the efficacy of the bill in achieving its goals. Notably, there may be contention regarding the implications for medical marijuana users and how this legislation intersects with existing medical cannabis laws.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL SB42

Crimes and offenses; unlawful possession of marijuana; crime revised based on amount of ounces possessed; criminal penalties revised

AL SB320

Crimes & offenses, provides for the crime of trafficking in obscene matter and provides penalties for violations

AL SB57

Crimes & Offenses, prohibited picketing or protesting in certain circumstances and provided criminal penalties

AL HB224

Firearms, criminal penalty for unreasonably secured firearm stored by parent in possession of child

AL HB414

Firearms, criminal penalty for unreasonably secured firearm stored by parent in possession of child

AL HB266

Assault weapons, to prohibit possession and transfer in certain circumstances, provide for registration

AL SB321

Crimes and offenses; unlawful distribution of a controlled substance further provided for; sentence enhancement for unlawful sale of a controlled substance amended; unlawful distribution of marijuana created and penalties established

AL SB95

Tobacco products; electronic nicotine delivery systems, use or possession of device, prohibited without regard to particular substance used therein

AL HB28

Crimes and offenses; murder further provided for; exceptions provided, penalties revised

AL HB100

Establishing penalties for crimes against election officials

Similar Bills

AL SB182

Psychoactive cannabinoids; prohibit sale of beverages containing psychoactive cannabinoids; criminal penalties provided

AL SB237

Psychoactive cannabinoids in hemp; regulate under Alcoholic Beverage Control Board; hemp beverages and psychoactive hemp products defined; licensure required; penalties imposed for violations

AL SB66

Relating to cannabis; to prohibit the sale, distribution, marketing, or possession of psychoactive cannabinoids found in hemp for certain age groups; to levy a five percent tax on the gross proceeds of products containing psychoactive cannabinoids sold at retail; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.