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Alabama Lawmakers Pass Bill To Increase Penalties For Smoking Marijuana In A Car Where A Child Is Present

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4 months ago

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“It goes back to the heart of the criminalization of marijuana in certain communities. And those are the traditional communities of people of color.”

Andrea Tinker, Alabama Reflector author

The Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill that would ban the smoking or vaping of marijuana in the car with children.

HB 72, sponsored by Rep. Patrick Sellers, D-Pleasant Grove, would make it a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail, for smoking marijuana in a car with a child under 19.

The bill passed 77-2 to 29 Democrats in the 105-member chamber after an open-ended debate about unintended consequences. Most Democrats abstained from the vote. Four voted in favor; Reps. Mary Moore, D-Birmingham, and TaShina Morris, D-Montgomery, voted against the bill.

“It’s about protecting children, protecting every child in the state of Alabama,” Sellers said after the meeting. “And that’s the motivation behind making sure every child has 100 percent ability to learn and stay safe in the best environment they can.”

According to the bill, people who are found to have smoked marijuana in a car with a child would have to go through an education program conducted by the Department of Public Health, and lawmakers would report it to local county human resources departments.

Several Democrats who have spoken out against the measure have cited the harm that tough drug laws have had on minority communities.

“It goes back to the heart of the criminalization of marijuana in certain communities,” Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, said after the meeting. “And these are communities that are traditional communities of people of color.”

Givan also said House Democrats wanted to work with Sellers on the bill.

“The Democratic Party, in several attempts, has said that this is a bill that we should sit down and address,” he said. “I’m not sure why the bill sponsor hasn’t done that.”

Morris raised concerns during the debate about the bill’s definition of a child.

“So we’re holding a parent responsible for an 18-year-old who smells like marijuana,” he said. “We know that at the age of 16 and 17, especially as a result of going outside and going to different places, they are smoking, maybe even without their parents knowing.”

Rep. Rolanda Hollis, D-Birmingham, said during the debate that parents don’t know everything their children do.

“As a parent you may not know, and here I don’t know if the counselor or the principal can call you to say ‘Hey, this is what we smelled on your kid’s jacket, how are we going to do this?’ But instead, you made me go to a class for something I don’t know,” he said.

Asked after the meeting about Morris’ concerns about the bill’s age-related language, Sellers said parents should “stop making excuses” for their children.

“You know if your child is smoking marijuana. If someone lives in your house, you know they’re smoking marijuana because you can smell it. It’s a distinctive smell,” he said.

Sellers also asked how the bill will be settled if all the people in the car are high school students smoking marijuana. He said that high schools are compulsory journalists who have a process in place.

Messages seeking comment were left with the Alabama State Department of Education and Department of Human Resources on Thursday.

when asked about invoice On Thursday afternoon, House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville, said “some people don’t know the meat is greasy,” a saying used to describe someone who has to learn a lesson the hard way.

He will take the bill to the Senate.

This story was first published by the Alabama Reflector.

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GreenTech Amsterdam 2026 in 2026 photos

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17 hours ago

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June 13, 2026

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Well, it’s not 2026 photos, but with around 600 photos, we definitely did our best. For the past two days, the Netherlands has been the place to be for the global greenhouse industry. From Flower Trials for the horticulture sector, company visits to growers and technical suppliers, as well as dinners, get-togethers, drinks, knowledge sessions and much more. And of course with GreenTech Amsterdam.

The event brought together professionals from around the world to connect, network, share knowledge and do business.

Next week, we’ll be sharing more information on market developments, trends, what’s on display, news, business news, innovations and whatever else you can think of, but for now we’ll stick to photo reporting.

Click here for the photo report.

© Arlette Sijmonsma | MMJDaily.com










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Illinois Governor Signs Bill To Double Marijuana Possession Limit, Restrict Hemp THC Products And Reform Rules For Businesses

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17 hours ago

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June 13, 2026

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Illinois’ governor has signed an omnibus cannabis bill into law doubles the amount of marijuana that adults can legally possesssignificantly restricts hemp THC products and makes other changes to the rules under which licensed businesses can operate.

Governor JB Pritzker on Friday gave final approval to the legislation, which cleared the House and Senate about two weeks ago.

As established by law, SB 3222 allows state residents over the age of 21 to possess up to 60 grams of marijuana flower, double the previous law. They can also contain up to 10 grams of concentrated cannabis and infused products with up to 1,000 mg of THC, double the previous limit. Ownership amounts for non-resident adults are also doubled under the bill.

People with past convictions for possession of 60 grams of marijuana will now have the option to have those records expunged; they can double the previous cut, which only those with convictions of up to 30 grams can have the right.

The legislation also recriminalizes hemp THC products with more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container, in line with the federal ban that will take effect in November.

“Rather than allowing an ambiguous market to put people at risk, Illinois is taking steps to protect consumers of all ages, especially children, from misleading packaging and labeling,” Pritzker said in a press release. “This landmark legislation closes the intoxicating cannabis loophole while strengthening equity and oversight and expanding medical access. Illinois is committed to cultivating a cannabis industry that benefits diverse businesses across the state and prioritizes accessibility, and I’m proud to sign this measure into law.”

Among other changes, the bill also allows for drive-thru and curbside pickup at dispensaries, allows them to stay open until 2 a.m., and allows medical cannabis certificates to be issued via telehealth.

The hood limits of craft cannabis growers will be expanded to between 5,000 and 14,000 square meters, and the new the law loosens some security requirements for marijuana companies, and also waives or reduces fees for smaller operators.

In 2019, the Pritzker signed the state’s initial marijuana legalization policy.

While broader restrictions on hemp products take effect in the state on Nov. 12, along with a similar federal move, sales to people under the age of 21 are immediately prohibited,

The legislation allows all marijuana dispensaries to register individually to specifically sell medical cannabis. The list of conditions for medical marijuana is also expanding to include female orgasmic disorder, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids.

“Illinois has led the nation in building a cannabis industry that prioritizes equity and public safety, and SB 3222 builds on that progress,” Governor Juliana Stratton said. he said. “By protecting young people from intoxicating unregulated hemp products and creating clear standards for the industry, we’re ensuring consumers are safer while maintaining opportunities for diverse businesses and communities across our state.”

Mike Latimer’s photo.

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Shining a spotlight on compliance and innovation at Cannabis Expo Johannesburg 2026

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2 days ago

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June 12, 2026

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On May 29, 2026, global cannabis technology company CannBro was invited to the Cannabis Expo in Johannesburg to share insights on emerging cannabis-related medical applications and supply chain strategies in the cannabis markets.

At the event, CannBro highlighted its partnership with the CHEEBA Cannabis Academy to promote industry education, compliance awareness and the development of regulatory standards in emerging cannabis markets. The company highlighted the importance of establishing strong regulatory and compliance frameworks for the sustainable growth of the industry.

© CannBro

As a company certified with ISO 13485 and GMP, CannBro actively explores medical cannabis applications and collaborates with health organizations to discuss potential clinical research and CBD product applications.

© CannBro

CannBro also introduced the “Factory Pricing + Local Stock” strategy, combining manufacturing capabilities in China with warehouses located overseas, enabling efficient delivery of local inventory. The company currently operates warehouses in the United States, Canada, Germany and South Africa and has helped more than 150 customers with local stock delivery solutions that reduce costs and improve inventory turnover.

In addition, CannBro visited local cannabis cultivation facilities to learn about the evolution of the South African market and explore potential partnerships for cultivation, medical applications and product development.

© CannBro

Andy Zhao, CEO of CannBro, said: “As the global cannabis market matures, fulfillment and medical applications will become key drivers of sustainable growth. CannBro remains committed to advancing the industry through education, medical research and supply chain innovation.”

For more information:
CannBro Technology
Email: (email protected)
www.cannbro.com



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