Alabama’s new hemp legislation was put to the take a look at for the primary time earlier this month with the arrest of Mary Noble in Athens on July 7.
Noble was taken into custody for allegedly possessing prohibited hemp merchandise, together with seven Delta-9 pre-rolls and a Delta THC vape pen.
She additionally faces prices of resisting arrest, trying to elude authorities, and offering a false identification.
In 2023, Noble additionally faced charges for assault and housebreaking.
Yellowhammer Information reported earlier that HB445, signed into legislation by Governor Kay Ivey, bans smokable hemp merchandise outright and establishes strict rules on different consumable hemp objects.
RELATED: Alabama cracks down on hemp-derived THC sales with enactment of new law
The legislation, sponsored by State Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest), prohibits gross sales to anybody underneath 21, bans on-line gross sales and shipments, and requires unbiased lab testing together with clear THC labeling.
Retailers should be licensed via the Alcoholic Beverage Management Board and face steep penalties for violations, together with fines, felony prices for repeat offenses, and potential license suspension.
The legislation additionally imposes a ten% excise tax to assist fund enforcement. Full implementation is ready for January 2026, though the smokable hemp ban took impact July 1.
Sherri Blevins is a employees author for Yellowhammer Information. You could contact her at [email protected].
