23 of the 42 District Attorneys in Alabama wrote a letter to the House of Representatives on April 28th. They urged members to oppose the upcoming medical cannabis bill. Called SB 46, it would legalize medical cannabis in certain forms: capsules, lozenges, oil, suppositories, or topical patches.
Concerns
The biggest concern for the district attorneys is the view of cannabis is a ‘gateway drug’. This is a false among medical professionals. However, it’s still a dominant way of thinking for many across the states.
“Marijuana is a wolf in sheep’s clothing… too many in the general public have been convinced that it is harmless,” the district attorney letter said. “That is, perhaps, the biggest lie that is being perpetrated on the Alabama public today. Please don’t further the lie by voting for any form of legalization beyond the pharmaceutical remedies already available under state law.”
Senator Response
SB 46’s sponsor, Senator Tim Melson (R), seems to be in agreement and disagreement with the statement from the district attorneys. Senator Melson does believe that recreational cannabis legalization would be a horrible decision for Alabama residents. It would lead down the ‘gateway’ path. But, contrary to the district attorneys’ statement, medical cannabis would be a benefit for citizens. And that’s because of the form that medical cannabis would come in.
Capsules, lozenges, oil, suppositories, or topical patches are liquid and more controlled forms of cannabis. As written, residents of Alabama who receive medical cannabis cards can’t smoke, vape, or use any raw flower or plant part of cannabis. Unfortunately, it’s those forms that many believe lead to more dangerous and illicit drugs over capsules and topical pads.
Future
If Alabama does pass SB 46, it would become the 37th state to legalize medical cannabis in some capacity. But it’s still unclear when the House will discuss the bill. Even if it does pass the House and make it to Governor Ivey’s desk, it’s unclear if she will sign it. As more information becomes available from the House on SB 46, we will update you with the latest.
Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.