Public testimony opposes bill to ban psychoactive hemp cannabinoids; farmers warn of business disruption

The committee held a public hearing on SB 273, a bill that would classify psychoactive cannabinoids derived from hemp as controlled and restrict retail sales of hemp consumables to pharmacies. Witnesses representing licensed hemp growers, processors and a pharmacist-entrepreneur urged the committee to regulate products rather than impose an effective ban.

Senator Weber described the bill briefly in committee as a measure that “bans psychoactive cannabinoids except for what is legal hemp, which is less than 0.3% THC,” and would remove sale of hemp consumables from convenience stores, vape shops and similar outlets and allow sales only at pharmacies. He said regulatory authority would rest with the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy and the Department of Agriculture and Industries.

Several witnesses urged caution and raised practical concerns. A grower and licensed processor who identified himself in testimony said SB 273 would treat psychoactive hemp cannabinoids as a Schedule I drug and would restrict sales of CBD and other non-psychoactive hemp products to pharmacies only. He told the committee that licensed farmers and processors operating under Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries oversight since 2018 would be left without transition guidance, exemptions or compensation and might face criminal exposure without clear regulatory protection.

A second witness, describing himself as a CPA, entrepreneur and farmer who manages a Dallas County farm, said his operation follows testing and manufacturing standards, offers child-resistant packaging, and uses lab analysis to check for heavy metals. That witness urged regulation rather than an outright ban and said his products were “300 times less potent than the federal farm bill” threshold cited in his testimony.

Why it matters: SB 273 would reshape how hemp-derived cannabinoid products are classified and sold in the state, affecting farms, processors, retail outlets, farmers markets and consumers who use hemp products for wellness. Witnesses argued that moving sales exclusively to pharmacies would disrupt existing small businesses and farmers who have operated under state licensing since the 2018 program rollout.

Committee procedure and next steps

- Committee held a timed public hearing; two individuals gave testimony within the allotted two-minute slots. - Senators asked questions and noted more technical work remains; one senator urged additional education for committee members on the chemical compounds listed in the bill. - The bill received a first and second; committee used previous-roll procedure and recorded no strong opposition in the limited time, but members said further work and amendments were anticipated.

Ending: Testimony emphasized the economic impacts on licensed growers and processors and urged the committee to provide regulatory clarity and transition measures rather than a wholesale ban. Committee members signaled they expect additional drafting and education before final floor action.