SB207 Alabama 2012 Session

Under existing law, the possession of certain named chemical compounds of synthetic cannabinoid is prohibited and subject to criminal penalties. Possession of the substances is a Class C felony except possession for personal use on the first offense is a Class A misdemeanor

This bill would add certain named chemical compounds of synthetic cannabinoid to the law and would specify that any other chemical compound capable of exhibiting cannabinoid-like psychoactivity would be prohibited. Distribution of these compounds would be deemed unlawful, and violations would be subject to the existing criminal penalties for distribution and possession

Amendment 621 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as Section 111.05 of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended, prohibits a general law whose purpose or effect would be to require a new or increased expenditure of local funds from becoming effective with regard to a local governmental entity without enactment by a 2/3 vote unless: it comes within one of a number of specified exceptions; it is approved by the affected entity; or the Legislature appropriates funds, or provides a local source of revenue, to the entity for the purpose

The purpose or effect of this bill would be to require a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of the amendment. However, the bill does not require approval of a local governmental entity or enactment by a 2/3 vote to become effective because it comes within one of the specified exceptions contained in the amendment

To amend Section 13A-12-214.1, Code of Alabama 1975; to further prohibit subject to existing possession and distribution penalties certain named chemical compounds of synthetic cannabinoid and to specify that any other chemical compound capable of exhibiting cannabinoid-like psychoactivity would be prohibited; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Amendment 621 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as Section 111.05 of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended.