Legislation to make beverages containing psychoactive cannabinoids illegal has been introduced in Alabama.
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.
