SB51 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Dick Brewbaker

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Crimes and offenses, trafficking, cannabis, minimum amount to constitute trafficking raised, Sec. 13A-12-231 am'd.

Summary

SB 51 would raise the cannabis trafficking threshold to 4.5 kilograms (10 pounds), broaden what counts as cannabis trafficking, and set heavier, tiered penalties (plus a firearm enhancement) while noting local funding rules and its effective date.

What This Bill Does

It raises the minimum amount of cannabis that triggers trafficking from more than 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) to more than 4.5 kilograms (10 pounds) and creates a tiered punishment system. It expands the definition of cannabis trafficking to include most parts, seeds, resin, and derivatives of the plant, with a narrow exception for some high-THC THC products without plant material. It adds a firearm enhancement that adds five years in prison and a $25,000 fine if a firearm is involved, in addition to the standard penalties. It states the bill is exempt from local funding approval requirements under Amendment 621 and becomes law on the first day of the third month after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• Cannabis traffickers and people in possession of cannabis above the new 4.5 kg/10 lb threshold would face higher mandatory minimums and broader charges.
• Law enforcement, prosecutors, and local governments would implement the expanded definitions and penalties, and local funding requirements are addressed under Amendment 621 (no separate local approval needed) and the effective date comes after gubernatorial action.

Key Provisions

• Raises cannabis trafficking threshold to 4.5 kilos or 10 pounds; penalties tiered by weight.
• Broadens the definition of cannabis trafficking to include plant parts, seeds, resin, derivatives, and related products; includes an exception for certain high-THC THC samples without plant material.
• Imposes a tiered mandatory minimum sentencing scheme: 3 years and $25,000 for 4.5–<100 pounds; 5 years and $50,000 for 100–<500 pounds; 15 years and $200,000 for 500–<1000 pounds; life without parole for 1000+ pounds.
• Adds a firearm enhancement: possession of a firearm during the trafficking act adds 5 years and $25,000 fine.
• Excludes the bill from local funding approval requirements under Amendment 621 and sets the effective date as the first day of the third month after governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses