Controlled substances; regulate sale of nonpsychoactive consumable hemp products by Agriculture Department; require sale of products only in pharmacies; add psychoactive derivatives of hemp as Schedule I drug

SB 273 would reclassify psychoactive cannabinoids derived from hemp, such as Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC, as Schedule I controlled substances, making their sale illegal. The bill restricts the sale of nonpsychoactive consumable hemp products, like CBD edibles and topicals, exclusively to licensed pharmacies certified by the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy, starting January 1, 2026. These products would be required to undergo laboratory testing and must be made from hemp cultivated within the state. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture and Industries would establish a seed-to-sale tracking program for hemp and these consumable products.