In Alabama, Troy University has some important news for students: recent laws mean serious consequences for anyone caught with hemp-derived THC products.
As of July 1, 2023, Alabama House Bill 445 restricts the sale of certain hemp items, including smokable products like hemp cigarettes and vape products. The law defines smokable hemp broadly, including anything marketed as hemp buds or flowers.
Interestingly, the bill does allow edible and beverage products containing up to 10mg of THC per serving under specific conditions.
Before this change, being caught with these products meant a misdemeanor charge for students, but now it’s a felony. This shift is significant. If a student is found with THC products, Troy University Police will test the item at the state lab. Depending on the test results, they might proceed with an arrest or take the case to a grand jury, as indicated by TUPD Chief George Beaudry.
The stakes are high. A Class C felony could lead to ten years in prison and fines of up to $15,000. Plus, under university rules, students facing felony charges could be suspended while the case is pending.
In a broader context, Alabama’s medical marijuana program has also seen challenges since it was legalized in 2021. Legal disputes have delayed the rollout for nearly four and a half years, causing frustration for many who supported the law.
As attitudes toward cannabis continue to shift across the U.S., Alabama’s restrictive measures stand out. Experts suggest that maintaining a balance between regulation and access is crucial, especially considering that 68% of Americans support legalizing marijuana, according to a recent Gallup poll.
Overall, Alabama’s approach to cannabis, especially concerning students, raises questions about fairness and the impact on young people’s futures.
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