Lynyrd Skynyrd may have popularized Alabama within popular culture, but now the Yellowhammer State may be famous for much more than a song. With the federal legalization of hemp-derived cannabinoids, including delta 9, state response is somewhat mixed. While some states have passed legislation embracing the federal government’s stance, others have taken measures to ban or restrict these compounds. But will hemp-derived delta 9 have to wait to come to Sweet Home Alabama, or is delta 9 legal in the state?
Is Delta 9 Legal in Alabama?
Before we dive into Alabama’s hemp politics, let’s first go over the contents of the Farm Bill, which made safe and legal hemp a possibility all across the nation. Also known as the Agriculture Improvement Act, the Farm Bill was signed into law in 2018, effectively legalizing hemp and hemp-derived compounds on a federal level.
The bill also created a legal difference between hemp and marijuana. In the United States, hemp is defined as cannabis plants containing no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis, while any cannabis plant surpassing that THC threshold is classified as cannabis.
Separating hemp from marijuana, the Farm Bill legalized the former but left the latter’s status as an illegal controlled substance untouched. That said, the Biden administration recently put out a statement announcing their plants to revisit the federal government’s stance on marijuana, pledging to pardon all federal offenses for simple marijuana possession and urging states to do the same. Additionally, the release also described the administration’s plans to reconsider marijuana’s status as a schedule I controlled substance under the United States Controlled Substances Act.
Even with support at the federal level, however, hemp legislation has faced some pushback on state level. While some states have come up with their own bills reinforcing the Farm Bill, others have taken measures to ban or heavily restrict hemp compounds, such as delta 9. But where does the Heart of Dixie stand? Is delta 9 legal in Alabama?
Thankfully, Alabama is one of the states that agreed with the federal consensus, making hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta 9 fully legal in the state. Following the Farm Bill, the Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee revised the Code of Alabama 1975. One of the sections revised was Section 2-8-381, which led to the separation of hemp from marijuana, legalizing industrial hem and hemp products in the Yellowhammer State. Some highlights of the section include:
“(3) HEMP PRODUCTS. Any and all products made from industrial hemp, including, but not limited to, cloth, cordage, fiber, food, fuel, paint, paper, particleboard, plastics, seed, seed meal and seed oil for consumption, and seed for cultivation if the seeds originate from industrial hemp varieties.
(4) INDUSTRIAL HEMP or HEMP. The plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, cultivated or possessed by a licensed grower or otherwise in accordance with the state's USDA-approved regulatory plan, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis. Industrial hemp shall be considered an agricultural crop or an agricultural commodity, or both, in all respects under state law. The term excludes marijuana as defined in subdivision (14) of Section 20-2-2.”
Clearly, Alabama law states that hemp products and marijuana products are two fundamentally different things, and while recreational cannabis is not legal in the Heart of Dixie, hemp-derived compounds like delta 9 sure are, as long as they don’t exceed the Farm Bill’s requirements of 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis.
Shipping Delta 9 to & from Alabama
Since hemp-derived delta 9 is legal in the state of Alabama, it is also lawful for online retailers to ship the compound and products made from it to the state. This is incredibly news for Alabamians looking for a trustworthy and easy cannabinoid source for many reasons, but let’s go over a few of the most basic.
First things first, online retailers are much more transparent and reliable than physical smoke shops (or, God forbid, gas stations). Online you can find full ingredient lists, step-by-step breakdowns on how products are made, and most importantly, third-party lab testing results. We’ll get into why all these things are important a little later, but the basics of it is that you want to know what exactly is going into your body, and shopping from stores that freely offer this information will help you relax and unwind without having to worry about the safety and efficacy of the products you choose.
On another note, online stores offer much more variety than physical stores. When you shop in person, you get what you see, try your luck somewhere else, or go home hemp-free. Online, on the other hand, you can browse through thousands of products and find exactly what you’re looking for. And the best part is, you can do it all from the comfort of your couch. All you need to do is scroll away, add to cart, and wait for your package to arrive!
Delta 9 in Alabama
While delta 9 derived from hemp may be legal in Alabama, the state doesn’t behave as welcomingly toward all types of cannabis. As we said before, recreational cannabis is strictly illegal in the Yellowhammer State, and weed-related charges can carry some hefty punishments.
Possession of marijuana for personal use is considered a misdemeanor in the state and is punishable by up to a year in prison and potential fine of up to $6,000. Selling marijuana in any amount is considered a felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a potential $30,000 fine.
With harsh punishments for any marijuana-related crimes, hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta 9 seem to be the only safe and legal way for Alabamians to reap the buzzy benefits of cannabis. We’ve already said that buying delta 9 online is the best way to get the products, but that doesn’t make it impossible to find in physical stores across the Heart of Dixie. That said, not all delta 9 is good delta 9. Identifying the differences between high- and low-quality hemp products isn't that hard—as long as you know where to look.
Things to Consider When Buying Delta 9 in Alabama
Buying delta 9 in Alabama is legal, but not all of it is safe to use. Despite hemp's many natural benefits, including pain relief, anxiety management, and psychoactive effects, the extraction and production processes of cannabinoids can leave toxic residues. There are a few factors to consider when selecting hemp product sources.
Choose Organic Hemp
Delta 9 products must be made from hemp in order to be legal in Alabama, but hemp isn't just about THC levels. The plant is capable of absorbing nutrients and toxins from its surroundings, including herbicides and pesticides applied to its leaves and soil. Therefore, you should choose retailers that source their compounds from organic hemp grown without pesticides or herbicides. If pest control chemicals are used on hemp plants used to make your product, those chemicals could end up in your system.
Understand Extraction Methods
Although CO2 extraction is the most expensive, it provides the best and most consistent results. While a number of methods can be used to extract hemp compounds, CO2 is the safest and most effective. If a company uses CO2 extractions, it shows that it cares more about quality and purity than making quick profits by selling inferior products.
Avoid Bleach
Manufacturers may bleach hemp extracts to make them appear cleaner and of higher quality, but less color does not mean a distillate is safer or of higher quality. Natural hemp extract is often amber or pinkish in color, so be sure to look for a distillate that looks natural. After all, the whole point of cannabis is that it's natural, right? Why add dangerous chemicals?
Examine Lab Testing
The most important item on this list is lab testing. Any extraction method, including CO2, can leave dangerous residues. These tests serve as a guarantee that the product you're consuming is actually safe. Third-party lab tests ensure that a product is free of contaminants and additives and provide accurate measurements of THC concentration, purity, and potency.
Read Reviews
Be sure to do your own research when choosing what companies to buy cannabinoids from. You can tell a lot about a company's ethics by reading the customer reviews on its website. Are the customers satisfied or unhappy with their purchase? Are there any complaints or comments about customer service? You can tell a lot about the company's ethics by how they treat their customers-- and how you might be treated if you give them your business.
Alabama Cannabis Market Grows with Delta 9 & Medical Marijuana
Cannabis has made tremendous progress all around the nation. Some states have legalized recreational cannabis, while others allow hemp-derived compounds to be purchased and used. Many states, however, have also legalized cannabis use for medical purposes, and quite surprisingly, Alabama is one of them!
Alabama Medical Cannabis Laws
Senate Bill 46 established the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) during the state’s 2021 legislative session. The commission consists of fourteen board members equipped with expertise in varying fields, including medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, law enforcement, and mental health. As the law passed the year before last, the Alabama Legislature has already authorized the production and distribution of medical cannabis by licensed growers, processors, and distributors. The AMCC, however, states that the earliest possible time for the program to be available is in late 2023.
When it does become available, physicians in Alabama will have the option of joining the state’s medical cannabis program. Only recurring patients of these specific physicians will be allowed cannabis prescriptions. The physician must diagnose the patient with a qualifying condition, as well as submit a physical exam, valid documentation that other conventional treatments have not worked, and a treatment plan. Once the physician does all of this, the patient will have to sign a consent form to enter the patient registry and obtain a medical cannabis card, which could cost up to $65. Qualifying conditions for medical cannabis treatment in the state of Alabama include:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Cancer-related chronic pain, nausea, and weight or muscle loss
- Chron’s Disease
- Depression
- Epilepsy or other seizure-inducing conditions
- HIV/Aids-related nausea or weight loss
- Panic Disorder
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Persistent nausea
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or spinal cord injury-related spasticity
- A terminal illness
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- A condition causing chronic or intractable pain
Additionally, the law specifically forbids smoking or eating medical marijuana, meaning no pre-rolls or pot brownies for those looking for medical cannabis in the Yellowhammer State. They can, however, enjoy medical cannabis via:
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Gelatins
- Oil
- Gels
- Creams
- Suppositories
- Transdermal patches
- Inhalable oils
- Liquids
Patients are only allowed to buy these products some state-approved dispensaries, and most patients will be allowed up to 50mg of cannabis a day. After three months, the assigned physician will be allowed to bump the dosage to 75mg. This doesn’t apply to terminally ill patients, for whom there is no dosage cap. Patients under the age of 18 will be limited to low-THC cannabis products.
Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Receives 94 Applications
Alabama Medical Cannabis vs. Hemp-Derived Delta 9
Even though Alabama does have a medical cannabis program, it remains in the process of being implemented, meaning that even though it is legal, Alabamians can’t yet reap the benefits of the legislation. Additionally, even when it is set into practice, patients won't be able to use smokable or edible THC for medical purposes.
Hemp-derived delta 9, on the other hand, is available to any adult in all sorts of form. From gummies and chocolates to vapes and flower, the compound can be used by any and all in the Heart of Dixie. This is great news for medical patients who want to eat some cannabis and get long-lasting pain relief and relaxation, but it’s even better for those who don’t qualify for the state’s medical cannabis program.
Delta 9 derived from hemp and delta 9 derived from marijuana are virtually the same thing, meaning that those who would benefit from medical cannabis but don’t suffer from a qualifying condition can still find buzzy relief in the Yellowhammer State!
Where to Find Delta 9 in Alabama
Now that you’ve got the inside scoop, you’re probably dying to get your hands on some delta 9 THC. As previously mentioned, the best and most effective way to get delta 9 products anywhere across the Yellowhammer State is to order them online, but if you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few in-person options to consider.
Auburn – Smoke Buddy’s – 4.9 Stars.
Smoke Buddy’s is the ultimate destination for those seeking high-quality vaping, CBD, hookah, waterpipe, cigar, delta 8, delta 10, and delta 9 products. With an informed and kind staff, they offer a wide range of products to meet all of your smoking needs. Whether you're looking for a new vape setup, a relaxing hookah session, or just want to try something new, Smoke Buddy’s has got you covered.
Birmingham – Magic City Organics – 5.0 Stars
Magic City Organics, located in Birmingham, Alabama, is the go-to destination for those seeking the highest-quality CBD and THC products. With a knowledgeable and friendly staff, they offer a wide range of products including tinctures, topicals, edibles, and more, all sourced from premium and trustworthy suppliers. Whether you're looking to improve your overall wellness or just looking for a more natural way to unwind, Magic City Organics has got you covered. Visit them today and experience the benefits of truly exceptional CBD and THC products.
Elberta – Seedless Green – 4.9 Stars
Seedless Green is the leading provider of premium quality hemp products. With a focus on natural and sustainable products, they offer a variety of high-quality hemp-based products including tinctures, topicals, edibles, and more. Their welcoming and helpful staff are dedicated to aiding you in finding the right products for your specific needs and goals. Visit Seedless Green today to experience the benefits of truly exceptional hemp products and support a local business committed to making a positive impact in Elberta.
Delta 9 in Alabama: Final Thoughts
So, is delta 9 legal in Alabama? Yes, the state allows hemp-derived delta 9 products containing no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. Although the state does not permit recreational marijuana use, it has recently begun the process to establish a medical cannabis program. In the meantime, however, those waiting for medical marijuana in the Heart of Dixie can benefit from hemp-derived compounds, as can those who wouldn’t qualify or can’t afford the state’s program.
Remember, when it comes to buying cannabinoids, always take safety precautions like asking for lab tests and doing some background research on companies. That way, you can buzz without a fuss ‘til the cows come home!
