LINCOLN, Ala. — While the rest of the nation sprints toward the legalization of marijuana and THC products, the small town of Lincoln, Alabama, is taking a starkly different approach. In a move that contrasts sharply with the national trend, Lincoln has passed an ordinance banning the sale of Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC, and CBD products, sparking debate about the future of cannabis regulation in the Deep South.
City officials raised concerns about the health risks associated with Delta-8 THC, a compound derived from hemp that is known to produce psychoactive effects similar to marijuana. The lack of federal regulation over Delta-8 has left it in a legal gray area, prompting some municipalities, like Lincoln, to take matters into their own hands.
The new ordinance restricts the sale of these products, citing public safety and health risks, particularly regarding their availability to minors. Many of these products—ranging from gummies to oils—are widely accessible in stores and online, raising concerns over potential misuse or unknown long-term effects.
Alabama, which has historically been slow to embrace cannabis reform, has only recently legalized limited medical marijuana use. While other states, including traditionally conservative ones, have moved toward full legalization, Alabama has remained cautious, maintaining strict controls on THC and related compounds. This latest move by Lincoln reflects the state’s continued hesitancy.
“Everyone else is moving forward, but we’re still stuck fighting these old battles,” noted one local store owner affected by the ordinance, who preferred not to be named. Retailers in Lincoln now face the challenge of adjusting their inventory and sales strategies in response to the new restrictions.
The decision comes as the rest of the country sees rapid normalization of cannabis use, with states such as California, New York, and even neighboring Mississippi embracing marijuana for both medical and recreational use. Critics of Alabama’s stance argue that the state is missing out on potential tax revenue and economic benefits from cannabis legalization.
Despite the broader national push toward legalization, Lincoln officials have doubled down on their position, stating that the lack of regulation around Delta-8 poses risks that the city cannot ignore. Across Alabama, several other towns are also considering similar measures, signaling a possible broader crackdown on THC products.
For now, Lincoln is standing firm in its decision, even as the tide of cannabis reform continues to rise across the country. While some residents and business owners are frustrated by the restrictions, supporters of the ban argue that it prioritizes the health and safety of the community.
Alabama’s slow adoption of cannabis reform has left it an outlier in the national landscape.