Georgia graduated from Troy with a degree in political science in December 2022, then moved to Huntsville to start her broadcast career here at WAAY 31! She is thrilled to be here in the Rocket City and looks forward to bringing you Coverage You Can Count On!
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - A bill making its way through the Alabama legislature could reclassify Delta-8 THC products, potentially placing them alongside heroin and LSD as illegal substances in the state.
If Senate Bill 132 passes, dispensary owners and employees, like those at The Green Lady Dispensary (TGL) in Huntsville, worry it will hurt their business and their customers, many of whom rely on these products for health reasons. John Staggs, a budtender at TGL, said that cannabis has helped him overcome alcohol addiction. He fears that banning Delta-8 could push individuals back to destructive habits.
"Cannabis is an alternative method for a lot of people to deal with so many issues that have been overprescribed by Big Pharma, which have caused a lot of other health and legal issues," Staggs said. "I have a feeling that the addiction levels will spike again."
SB132 seeks to reclassify Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 as Schedule I controlled substances. One of the primary concerns raised in the bill's text is the lack of regulation surrounding these products, which leads to easy accessibility without oversight. However, Staggs argues that dispensaries like his take care to ensure quality and safety. TGL, for instance, provides certificates of analysis for every product sold, allowing customers to know exactly what they are consuming.
"You wouldn't drink beer from some guy down the street," Staggs said. "You shouldn't get your medicine from some guy down the street. You should know who your retailers, your purveyors, and your manufacturers are."
The bill, introduced by District 1 Senator Tim Melson, has already been read and is awaiting the Healthcare Committee's next move. WAAY has reached out to Melson for a comment but he has yet to get back to us. According to Staggs, about 80% of their clientele is over the age of 50. Many of these individuals use Delta-8 products for ailments such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, and pain management.
"We're talking about grandparents, parents who are using it to help them sleep, that are helping them walk without a cane," Staggs said.
Staggs has witnessed firsthand how Delta-8 and THC products have improved the quality of life for many customers. He believes that banning these products could have far-reaching consequences on those who depend on them for their health and well-being.
The legislature is still reviewing the bill. We will provide updates as soon as they become available.