Alabama House Passes Hemp Regulation Bill, Florida Senate Advances Similar Legislation

The Alabama House of Representatives has passed House Bill 445 to regulate consumable hemp products, aiming to prevent access to intoxicating goods by minors. The bill, backed by bipartisan support, allows the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to oversee the manufacturing and sales of hemp products, requiring licenses for retailers and limiting sales to those aged 21 and older. It also imposes a THC limit of 5mg and introduces a 7% excise tax on manufacturers and wholesalers. Meanwhile, the Florida Senate has unanimously approved Senate Bill 438, which bans delta-8 and delta-10 products and enforces strict regulations on hemp-derived THC beverages, including a cap on THC content and restrictions on retail locations. Both states are focused on enhancing public safety and preventing youth access to hemp products amidst a growing market. The Alabama bill will proceed to the Senate, while Florida's companion bills await further legislative action.