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Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alabama hemp bill creates confusion; industry braces for fight
Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Harvest, displays a hemp-derived product as he introduces a bill to regulate the industry to the House Health Committee on April 2, 2025, in Montgomery, Ala. Whitt's bill is on Gov. Kay Ivey's desk, but the provisions of the legislation have led to criticism of the bill and confusion over what it does. (Alander Rocha/Alabama Reflector) A bill aimed at regulating consumable hemp products has landed on Gov. Kay Ivey's desk, but its future is uncertain. HB 445, sponsored by Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Harvest, would establish regulations for consumable hemp products in Alabama, but the bill's language and potential consequences have led the hemp industry to suggest the possibility of litigation and led to uncertainty among lawmakers, business owners, patients and lobbyists. 'It is my hope that the governor signs the bill this week. I think it's a good piece of legislation. I think it's a bipartisan piece of legislation, and certainly, we have to get the guardrails up on this industry,' Whitt said in a phone interview Tuesday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Key provisions of the bill include: Testing and labeling requirements for all consumable hemp products. Caps of 10 milligrams per individually wrapped product, with a cap of 40 milligrams per package. Authorization for the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board to license retailers of these products. Restrictions on retail establishments selling hemp products. Prohibition of sales to minors. Prohibition of smokable hemp products and restrictions on online sales and direct delivery. Imposition of an excise tax on consumable hemp products. The bill defines 'consumable hemp product' broadly as any finished product intended for human or animal consumption that contains any part of the hemp plant or its derivatives, but explicitly bans smokable hemp products and certain psychoactive cannabinoids. It's unclear whether the bill would ban CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in hemp. According to the bill, 'any smokeable hemp product' not limited to 'plant product or raw hemp material that is marketed to consumers as hemp cigarettes, hemp cigars, hemp joints, hemp buds, hemp flowers, hemp leaves, ground hemp flowers, or any variation of these terms to include any product that contains a cannabinoid, whether psychoactive or not.' The bill was replaced with a substitute on the floor that had not been discussed in the Senate committee hearing, and a copy was not made available to the public until after its passage. Molly Cole, a lobbyist for the Alabama Hemp and Vape Association, said she wished a senator had asked for the bill to be read on the floor. 'When Sen. Melson came onto the floor and proposed this bill for the substitute, … no one called for it to be read on the floor. And then the way he proposed it was that all this bill does is move products to 21 and up stores,' Cole said, which she felt was misleading. Even the bill's sponsor and the senator who handled the bill in the upper chamber appear to be at odds over its implementation. Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, whose bill aimed at hemp regulation failed in committee but who handled Whitt's legislation in the Senate, said in an interview Tuesday that he was uncertain about whether the bill bans hemp-derived THC vapes. He thought that hemp-derived vapes could still be purchased in a 21+ vape shop. 'The hemp vape products, yes, anything with the THC would go to, my understanding … they would go to vape stores. But that being said, I'd have to double check now that you got me questioning,' Melson said. Whitt, however, was clear on the matter. 'Any smokeable, any inhalable product, is banned under this legislation. Vapes would be banned as well that had delta-8 and (delta)-9 in those,' he said. Delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC are psychoactive compounds found in cannabis, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Representatives of the hemp industry strongly oppose the measure, warning of consequences for both businesses and consumers. Carmelo Parasiliti, founder and CEO of Green Acres Organic Pharms in Florence, pointed to the potential damage the bill could have on his business. Parasiliti said that nearly every product they currently offer is federally legal and lab tested. Under HB 445, he said, it would all be illegal. 'We're going to keep our storefront open and serve Alabama to the best of our ability, but our future in Alabama is uncertain, and I'm really hoping Gov. Kay Ivey will veto this bill if she truly supports small businesses,' Parasiliti said in an interview Tuesday. He also pointed to potential harm to people who benefit from hemp medically, particularly those in a cancer program he started to provide free or low-cost hemp-derived products to people referred by providers. 'Even more troubling is the bill makes it unlawful to give these products away to people in need, no matter their condition, which I think is cruelty,' Parasiliti said. Nancy Owen Nelson, a cancer patient living in Florence who uses hemp, mostly CBD, for symptom management and a participant in the Green Acres Organic Pharm cancer program, said she was disappointed with the bill. Nelson said he plans to write a letter to Ivey encouraging her to veto it. She said she tried to leave a voicemail, but found it was full. 'The thing about this condition is that it is not anywhere in particular, so it is a whole body sensation, and a whole body fatigue. It helps me sleep, it helps me rest, and it helps me feel calmer,' Owen Nelson said. Whitt and Melson say that the bill's primary objective is to protect children and regulate an industry that has operated largely unchecked. Owen Nelson said she agrees with regulating the hemp industry but feels the bill goes too far, and that she wasn't sure if the bill would accomplish its intent of limiting access for minors, saying that children will find a way to these products. 'It's the responsibility of the vendors to not sell children and the families to protect their children within their homes,' she said. Whitt felt strongly that the need for 'guardrails' on the hemp industry, saying it was his goal to rein in 'the wild west of what's been derived out of the 2018 Farm Bill.' The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp and any cannabis product with no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight from the definition of marijuana under federal law. Molly Cole, a lobbyist for the Alabama Hemp and Vape Association, said the industry is confused about how the bill defines consumable hemp product. She also pointed to conflicting implementation dates, which say that the 'act shall become effective on July 1, 2025,' but indicate that businesses have until Jan. 1, 2026, to comply. 'That's causing a lot of chaos and confusion,' she said. The hemp industry is urging Ivey to veto HB 445. Gina Maiola, a spokeswoman for the governor, did not respond to a request for comment. If the governor vetoes the bill, the Legislature could override her veto, but it's also unclear whether the Legislature has the votes. The bill passed with a 60-27 vote and 14 abstentions out of the House and a 19-13 vote in the Senate. Parasiliti said he is hopeful for a veto. 'The governor's office just celebrated last week small business week, and here we are,' he said. 'If this bill is signed and put into law, it's going to be putting a lot of small businesses out of business.' Cole said that litigation is being considered, saying that 'the entire industry is looking at best practices moving forward, and litigation is being contemplated.' 'We're just trying to figure out what exactly is going to happen and what is not going to happen before we really start doing anything, but we are discussing it,' she said. The Alabama Policy Institute, a conservative think tank, also came out against the bill, though for different reasons, claiming on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the bill would legalize recreational cannabis use 'under the guise of protecting children.' Adding to the opposition, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin posted a statement on Facebook saying the bill undermines progress made in cannabis reform and harms small businesses. 'Alabama House Bill 445 is a step backwards and harmful to small businesses in Birmingham,' Woodfin said. 'Instead of moving us closer to justice and equity, this bill risks dragging us back to an era of cannabis criminalization, overregulation, and lost opportunity.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Adult-use marijuana bill passes committee, moves to Pa. House for consideration
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — Two Pennsylvania Representatives have officially introduced a bill that aims to legalize adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania, with the bill moving to the House for consideration. Reps. Rick Krajewski (D-Philadelphia) and Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) argued that the 'time is now' when it comes to the legalization of cannabis in the Commonwealth. The bill, also known as the Cannabis Health and Safety Act, was approved by the House Health Committee Monday, May 5, by a vote of 14-12. Now, the bill will move to the full House of Representatives for consideration. 'We have listened carefully to public health experts, criminal justice reformers, small business advocates and community leaders,' Krajewski said. 'Our bill reflects what we've learned — that we can and must legalize cannabis in a way that is safe, equitable and beneficial to all Pennsylvanians.' The lawmakers noted that 24 states, including nearly all of Pennsylvania's neighbors, have already legalized recreational cannabis and that public opinion is in overwhelming support. 'By legalizing and regulating cannabis thoughtfully, we can avoid pitfalls that have marred rollouts in other states,' Frankel said. 'Our plan will create clear rules that protect consumers, educate the public, and ensure that Pennsylvania small businesses and taxpayers – not out-of-state corporations — benefit from the profits.' Some key proponents of the bill include: Automatically clearing criminal records and advancing restorative justice for those impacted by cannabis-related offenses Reinvesting tax revenue into communities disproportionately harmed by the War on Drugs Implementing critical public health protections, including THC limits, marketing restrictions and child safety measures Creating pathways for diverse and local entrepreneurs to participate in the regulated cannabis market, with priority on licensing and contracting Maximizing state revenue and accountability with publicly owned and accountable retail stores The bill also projects that the market of adult-use cannabis could bring in more than half a billion dollars for the commonwealth every year from both taxes and profits. The House Health Committee is expected to take up the legislation soon, marking the start of a historic debate around cannabis in the General Assembly. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania lawmakers advance marijuana legalization bill
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — The legalization of adult-use cannabis has just gotten one step closer to becoming a reality in Pennsylvania. Earlier today, the Cannabis Health & Safety Act (HB1200) was approved by the House Health Committee by a 14-12 party-line vote. The cannabis legalization bill now moves to the state House of Representatives for consideration. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now HB1200 was introduced by Reps. Rick Krajewski (D-Philadelphia) and Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) earlier this month. Per the proposed legislation, the new bill would regulate cannabis, establish Pennsylvania Cannabis Stores and a Cannabis Revenue Fund, and more. RELATED: Pennsylvania legislators propose legalizing adult-use cannabis Furthermore, HB1200 would clear criminal records for those convicted of cannabis-related offenses, reinvest tax revenue into communities that legislators say were harmed by the War on Drugs, implement public health protections, and more. To read the full bill, you can click here. 'The time is now for Pennsylvania,' Rep. Krajewski previously said. 'We have listened carefully to public health experts, criminal justice reformers, small business advocates and community leaders. Our bill reflects what we've learned — that we can and must legalize cannabis in a way that is safe, equitable and beneficial to all Pennsylvanians.' Previous legislation has passed in the Democrat-controlled State House, but has not advanced through the Republican-controlled State Senate. Governor Josh Shapiro has said he approves of legalizing and taxing adult-use cannabis. This is a developing story. abc27 news will keep you updated as we learn more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Healthcare providers can deny care that conflicts with conscience under new Tennessee law
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Governor Bill Lee signed into law the Medical Ethics Defense Act, which lets healthcare practitioners refuse to perform or pay for a procedure or prescription that goes against their personal morals, ethics, or religious beliefs. The legislation, which applies to medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and insurance companies, immediately went into effect with Gov. Lee's signature. The House sponsor, Rep. Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro), a physician himself, told lawmakers the measure protects healthcare providers from 'moral injury,' which he said is contributing to the physician shortage in Tennessee. 📧 Have breaking news come to you: → 'Patients and providers have rights. Providers should not give up their rights to best serve their patients' [rights],' Rep. Terry said. 'Patients need to know that our doctors are advocating for them with a clear conscience.' Dr. Jonathan Shaw, an OBGYN in TN, testified in the House Health Committee he was nearly forced out of his previous practice in the Northeast because he refused to announce his pronouns to his patients, a policy against his personal beliefs. 'I used the term 'conscientious objection' to describe my position on the practice of being forced to announce my own pronouns, but this was seen as a barrier to patient care. The ability to do my job was called into question, and human resources were consulted,' Dr. Shaw said. 'The implication was clear: conscience needs to be limited or consider an alternative career path. I decided to look for a job elsewhere.' Dr. Shaw said he was drawn to TN because of the state's 'common-sense policies which preserve the freedom to be guided by conscience as a physician.' However, Dr. Amy Gordon Bono, a TN primary care physician, argued the measure goes against the Hippocratic Oath, which requires doctors to prioritize their patients' well-being. 'When legislation is not patient-centered, it's morally compromised to begin with,' Dr. Bono said. 'Politicians need to stop dictating medical care, and this bill allows politicians to take their intrusive efforts even further to dictate medical conscience. In my opinion and the way I like to practice medicine is to honor the patient first. That's where my conscience lies.' The conscience clause does not apply in emergency situations, or if an insurance provider is contractually obligated to cover the cost of a specific treatment. However, some lawmakers expressed concern that a doctor could still use their beliefs to dictate the type of care they provide during emergency situations, including when it comes to abortions. 'We're not talking about an elective abortion. We're talking about a lady coming in, and this pregnancy puts her life in immediate danger,' Rep. Sam McKenzie (D-Knoxville) said. ⏩ 'There are doctors who practice medicine consistent with a pro-life worldview in which an abortion is never medically necessary, and there are procedures available to treat a woman in that kind of circumstance without having to perform an elective abortion,' said Erica Steinmiller-Perdomo, an attorney for Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), an out-of-state interest group that backed the bill. According to ADF, eight other states have similar conscience clause laws, which are rarely used and have never been challenged in court. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Alabama House committee passes contested midwife practice bill after public hearing
Johannah McDonald, a Huntsville resident, sits in a crowded House Health Committee meeting on April 23, 2025, with her daughter, Ruhama McDonald, to watched the public hearing on SB 87, which would only allow midwives to conduct the heel stick test of the newborn screening panel. An Alabama House committee Wednesday passed a bill changing the scope of practice for midwives in Alabama after a packed public hearing over the measure. As originally filed, SB 87, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would have allowed midwives to administer three parts of newborn screenings: heel stick, hearing screening and Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) screening, which can provide early detection of genetic or metabolic conditions. But in the Senate, the bill was amended to only allow midwives to conduct a heel stick and adds language prohibiting midwives from providing 'any care' that is not in law or in an emergency to newborns. 'This bill started out with those three newborn screening tests included, but two of them were removed when the substitute was submitted over in the Senate. It passed the Senate, and so that's where the bill stands today,' said Rep. Ben Harrison, R-Elkmont, who is carrying the bill in the House. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Midwives in Alabama were only allowed to practice after the state in 2017 started regulating midwifery and lifted a four-decade ban on the practice. Midwives have since then been fighting to provide more comprehensive care. The medical community has historically pushed back against such efforts, saying midwives don't have sufficient training, especially in cases of emergency. State health guidelines in Alabama require newborn screenings within 24-48 hours postpartum. Midwives must refer newborns to pediatricians, often delaying these critical tests. While midwives can administer screenings if a doctor is absent, they are not allowed to order these tests. Alabama midwives pull support from bill after addition of 'hostile language' The new version also states that while a licensed midwife 'may order and administer a heel lance within 72 hours after birth,' they are 'prohibited from interpreting any tests or screens under this subsection and shall cause any results to be referred to a physician of the mother's choosing who is licensed to practice medicine.' 'Today, I'm calling out a disgrace … SB 87 has been hijacked. As is, it denigrates the sanctity of motherhood, the safety of newborns, and above all, is a wolf in sheep's clothing,' said Aaron Crawford, president of the Alabama Birth Coalition, who blamed lobbyists for changes in the bill. Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, R-Trinity, said he opposed the bill as amended but supported its original intent. 'Choices and options are being removed or denied from Alabama mothers because it would seem special interest and a general attitude that our mothers and their midwives can't possibly make good decisions and should trust the experts. I would humbly submit that 6,000 years plus of evidence would be different to that,' he said. Maria Cranford, a midwife in north Alabama, said that national standards provide midwives are trained and educated in the care of mothers and newborns through the first six weeks after birth. 'This includes performing newborn exams, administering newborn screens, critical congenital heart screenings with referral… and newborn screenings,' she said. 'All of which I'm taught students to do in clinical settings — not here in Alabama, because I'm legally not allowed to.' Support for the amended bill came from the medical community, who said it would preserve medical standards. Linda Lee, executive director of the American Academy of Pediatrics Alabama chapter, read a statement from Dr. Nola Jean Ernest, a pediatrician in Enterprise. Claiming there's no evidence that midwifery improves infant mortality rates, Ernest said that 'all further medical evaluation and care' should be performed by a medical provider. 'Lay midwives attending home births do not have the equivalent training or clinical experience as pediatricians or neonatologists,' Ernest wrote in the letter. Danne Howard, deputy director of the Alabama Hospital Association, also supported the bill as it passed the Senate and defended notions that 'hospitals across the state have not abandoned labor and delivery.' Rural hospitals have faced financial struggle for years, which had led to some delivery units being closed around the state. 'Alabama Hospital [Association] supported the bill as it was passed by the Senate and look forward to additional work in years to come to see what other avenues that we can make great strides in improving access to care,' Howard said. The committee approved the bill on a voice vote. The legislation moves to the full House. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
