MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama lawmakers are once again facing backlash over a proposed bill that critics say reflects the state’s tendency to lag behind national trends on cannabis reform. Senate Bill 132, introduced on Feb. 6, seeks to classify psychoactive hemp derivatives, such as Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC, as Schedule I controlled substances—placing them alongside heroin and LSD.
The bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. Tim Melson, has drawn sharp criticism from advocates who argue that such measures are outdated and ignore the growing body of evidence supporting the relative safety of cannabis products.
While 23 states have fully legalized recreational marijuana and dozens more allow medical use, Alabama remains hesitant to embrace reform. The state only legalized medical cannabis in 2021 after years of debate, and its laws remain among the strictest in the nation. Critics argue this reluctance stems from outdated stigmas rooted in the failed War on Drugs—a campaign that disproportionately targeted marginalized communities and did little to curb drug use.
States that have legalized marijuana have seen no significant increase in crime or addiction rates. In fact, many report economic benefits from tax revenue.
States like Colorado and Oregon, pioneers in cannabis legalization, have reaped billions in tax revenue while funding education and public health initiatives. Meanwhile, Alabama continues to criminalize substances widely regarded as less harmful than alcohol or tobacco.
Even neighboring states are beginning to shift their stance. Mississippi approved medical marijuana in 2022, and Tennessee is considering decriminalization measures. Alabama risks becoming an island of prohibition in a sea of progress.
Research consistently shows that cannabis is far less harmful than many legal substances. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana has a low risk of dependency compared to opioids or alcohol. Moreover, hemp-derived cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC are already federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.
Advocates argue banning these products will hurt small businesses and farmers who rely on hemp as a cash crop.
SB132 is currently pending in the Senate Healthcare Committee. Opponents hope lawmakers will reconsider before passing legislation they believe will stifle economic growth and perpetuate outdated drug policies.
For now, Alabama remains at a crossroads: embrace reform or continue down a path many see as increasingly out of step with modern America.