Is Delta 8 Legal in Alabama? (2024 Update)

by Kat Austin February 15, 2021 7 min read

Is Delta 8 Legal in Alabama? (2024 Update) - VO Inc

Just like with cannabis and CBD, Delta-8 laws vary largely by state and local jurisdiction. So, is Delta-8 legal in Alabama? And if so, where can you find it?

Luckily—Yes! The state of Alabama has removed hemp-derived  tetrahydrocannabinols from their list of controlled substances. That means that Delta 8 THC is legal in Alabama and residents of the Yellowhammer State can experience the mildly psychoactive cannabinoid for themselves.

Looking for legal Delta-8-THC you can buy in Alabama? Check out our Elev8 Collection.

Disclaimer: We’re always working to stay informed on the latest Delta-8 laws and research. However, state laws are subject to change and we advise that you do your own research to verify the information you find in this article. This is not intended as legal advice.

Delta 8 Alabama Laws Table of Contents

Delta-8-THC and Federal Laws
Alabama Delta-8-THC Laws
Is Delta-8 a Controlled Substance in Alabama?
Delta-8-THC Possession Limits in Alabama
Is Delta-9-THC Legal in Alabama?
Where to Buy Delta-8 in Alabama
Do You Have to Be 21 to Buy Delta-8-THC in Alabama?
Is Delta-8 Legal in All 50 States?
Resources

Quick Look: Delta 8 THC Alabama Laws

  • Legality: Delta-8 THC is legal in Alabama, as the state has removed hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinols from its list of controlled substances.

  • Source Verification: To ensure Delta-8 products are legal, they must be derived from hemp grown by a licensed grower in compliance with state regulations.

  • Availability: While Delta-8 THC can be found in a limited number of physical stores in Alabama, it is also accessible for purchase online, allowing for direct shipping to your home.

  • Delta-9 THC Status: Delta-9 THC remains illegal in Alabama, making it crucial for consumers to differentiate between Delta-8 and Delta-9 when purchasing products.

  • Product Safety: Always choose reputable brands to avoid low-quality Delta-8 THC products, such as gummies, ensuring compliance with Alabama delta 8 laws.

Alabama Delta 8 THC Laws

Alabama updated hemp laws to legalize CBD soon after the 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law, and this legislation also affected the legal status of hemp-derived THC in the state. May 30th of 2019, Alabama enrolled amendments to Alabama code 2-8-381.

Amongst other things, the bill specifically amended the definition of hemp so that it closely matches federal regulations. It also effectively removed tetrahydrocannabinols (THCs) derived from hemp from the states list of Controlled Substances by amending the state’s Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Like neighboring states FloridaMississippi, and Tennessee, Delta-8-THC is legal in Alabama thanks to these updated hemp laws.

Here are some highlights from the text:

ALABAMA CODE 2-8-381

Relating to hemp; to amend Sections 2-8-381, 2-8-383, 20-2-2, Code of Alabama 1975, and 20-2-23 as last amended by Act 2018-552, 2018 Regular Session, Code of Alabama 1975; to require the Department of Agriculture and Industries, in consultation with the Governor and Attorney General, to develop a plan for monitoring and regulating the production of hemp, and submit the plan to the federal Secretary of Agriculture; to exclude from Schedule I controlled substances classified as tetrahydrocannabinols (THCs) derived from hemp; and to revise definitions.

2-8-381.

(3) HEMP PRODUCTS. Any and all products made from industrial hemp, including, but not limited to, cloth, cordage, fiber, food, fuel, paint, paper, particleboard, plastics, seed, seed meal and seed oil for consumption, and for cultivation if the seeds originate from industrial hemp varieties.

(4) INDUSTRIAL HEMP or HEMP. The plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, cultivated or possessed by a licensed grower 9; otherwise in accordance with the state’s USDA-approved regulatory plan, whether growing or not, with a delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.

Industrial hemp shall be considered an agricultural crop or an agricultural commodity, or both, in all respects under state law. The term excludes marijuana as defined in subdivision (l4) of Section 20-2-2.

20-2-2.

(14) MARIJUANA. All parts of the plant Cannabis sativa L., whether growing or not, the seeds thereof, the resin extracted from any part of the plant, and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds or resin.

Such term does not include the mature stalks of the plant, fiber produced from the stalks, oil or cake made from the seeds of the plant, any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the mature stalks (except the resin extracted therefrom), fiber, oil or cake, or the sterilized seed of the plant which is incapable of germination.

Marijuana does not include hemp as defined in Section 2-8-381.

20-2-23.

(b) The controlled substances listed in this section are included in Schedule I:

(3) Any material, compound, mixture or preparation which contains any quantity of the following hallucinogenic substances, their salts, isomers and salts of isomers, unless specifically excepted, whenever the existence of these salts, isomers and salts of isomers is possible within the specific chemical designation:

  1. Tetrahydrocannabinols, except for tetrahydrocannabinols in hemp, as defined in Section 2-8-381.

Flowering hemp plants, the federally legal form of cannabis that can be used to make Delta-8-THC.

Is Delta-8 a Controlled Substance in Alabama?

To further clarify, the state has enacted amendments to the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Chapter 2, concerning Controlled Substances. The amendment specifically adds the phrasing “except for tetrahydrocannabinols in hemp, as defined in Section 2-8-381.”

According to Section 2-8-381, hemp is defined as “Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, cultivated or possessed by a licensed grower 9; otherwise in accordance with the state’s USDA-approved regulatory plan, whether growing or not, with a delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.”

Therefore, Delta-8-THC derived from legal hemp material is not considered a controlled substance in Alabama.

Delta 8 THC Possession Limits in Alabama

Because Delta-8 currently exists as an “agricultural commodity” derived from legal hemp material, there are no possession limits defined for D8 products within Alabama law.

Still, D8 could be easily confused for Delta-9 THC by authorities without proper documentation and lab testing.

Basic lab testing checks only for tetrahydrocannabinol, meaning that extensive lab tests are needed to differentiate between Delta-8 content and Delta-9 content when proof of legal possession is needed.

Is Cannabis (Delta 9 THC) Legal in Alabama?

Delta-8-THC exists legally in Alabama under the umbrella definition of “hemp.” Unfortunately, the law specifies that any cannabis material or manufactured product containing more than 0.3% Delta-9-THC on a dry weight basis is classified as “marijuana” and is illegal.

In Alabama, the illegal possession of Delta-9-THC for personal use is punishable by a misdemeanor, up to $6,000 fine, and up to 1 year in jail.

Where to Buy Delta 8 in Alabama?

A delta-8 vape, a common form of Delta-8 found in Alabama stores and online.

According to state hemp laws, legal hemp products can be sold in the state so long as it is produced by a licensed grower and in accordance with the state’s USDA hemp plan. That means you’re in luck if you’re looking to buy Delta-8-THC in Alabama.

Still, it’s advisable to proceed with caution when choosing a D8 distributor. While you can likely find various hemp products in local stores, there may be benefits to buying Delta-8 online.

One reason is that you can buy directly from a brand or manufacturer, instead of purchasing through a third-party vendor that may not fully understand Delta-8 effects and uses or the laws surrounding THC products.

At Vida Optima, our Delta-8-THC products comply with all parameters of the Hemp Farming Act of 2018. We can also help answer questions about Delta-8 before you buy, or you can read our “What is Delta-8-THC?” guide to learn everything you need to know.

Do You Have to Be 21 to Buy Delta-8 in Alabama?

There are no state regulations that place age restrictions on the purchase of hemp-derived products. Retailers have the right to determine age limits for the purchase of Delta-8 products, but many retailers require consumers to be at least 21 years of age.

Is Delta-8 Federally Legal?

Yes, hemp-derived D8 is legal according to federal law. The 2018 Hemp Farming Act legalized hemp and all of it's derivates, including cannabinoids, isomers, and all other extracts.

Is Delta 8 Legal in All 50 States?

Delta-8-THC is currently federally legal under the context of the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, but each state has the right to determine their own stance on tetrahydrocannabinols derived from hemp. Delta-8-THC is legal in Alabama according to state law, but you should read more about Delta-8 laws by state to determine the legality in other areas.

Ready to shop for Delta-8 in Alabama? Our Elev8 collection includes edibles, tinctures, vapes, and more that are Farm Bill compliant and legal in the U.S.

Vida Optima Elev8 Delta-8 Caramels

FAQ: Delta-8 in Alabama

Is Delta-8 legal in Alabama?

Yes, Delta-8 THC is legal in Alabama. State law aligns with federal regulations, permitting the sale and use of hemp-derived cannabinoids, including Delta-8 THC.

Why is Delta-9 legal in Alabama?

Delta-9 THC is legal in Alabama if derived from hemp and the concentration is below 0.3% on a dry weight basis, in accordance with federal law.

Are THC gummies legal in Alabama?

THC gummies that are derived from Delta-9 THC remain illegal in Alabama, as the state has strict regulations surrounding Delta-9 THC. However, Delta-8 THC gummies are legal, provided they comply with state laws regarding hemp-derived products. Always ensure the source is reputable to avoid low-quality products.

Can you buy Delta-9 in Alabama?

No, Delta-9 THC is illegal in Alabama. The state has not legalized recreational marijuana, and Delta-9 THC products remain prohibited. While Delta-8 THC is legal, it is essential for consumers to be aware of the differences and legality surrounding these cannabinoids in Alabama.

What states is Delta-8 illegal?

Delta-8 THC is illegal in several states, including Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.

Is Delta-11 legal in Alabama?

Yes, Delta-11 THC is legal in Alabama as long as it is derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, in compliance with federal law.

  1. “H.R.5485 - Hemp Farming Act of 2018” https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/5485
  2. “Drug Fact Sheet: K2/Spice” https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/K2-spice-2020.pdf
  3. “MARINOL” https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2006/018651s025s026lbl.pdf
  4. “SB225 “https://www.bamapolitics.com/wp-content/pdfuploads/24707/2019-05-30_enrolled.pdf

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