Alabama Cannabis Coalition Issues Public Clarification Regarding False Claims About HB72 (2026)
From the Alabama Cannabis Coalition
From the Alabama Cannabis Coalition
August 3, 2026
The Alabama Cannabis Coalition (ACC) is issuing this statement to correct widespread misinformation currently circulating on social media regarding House Bill 72 (HB72) from the 2026 Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature.
The ACC has become aware that social media graphics and online posts are falsely claiming that HB72 becomes effective on October 1, 2026, requiring teachers, school personnel, and other mandatory reporters to notify the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) whenever a child smells of cannabis.
These claims are false.
HB72 did not become law in Alabama.
While HB72 passed the Alabama House of Representatives, it never received final passage by the Alabama Senate, was never signed by the Governor, and died at the conclusion of the 2026 Legislative Session. As a result, there is no new law taking effect on October 1, 2026, based on HB72.
Alabama already has established mandatory reporting requirements for suspected child abuse and neglect. However, the language currently being circulated online incorrectly presents a failed piece of legislation as existing law.
The Alabama Cannabis Coalition is particularly concerned that this misinformation has reportedly been repeated within public institutions, including school systems and law enforcement agencies. Public officials have a responsibility to ensure that legislative information distributed to employees and the public is accurate and based upon enacted law, not proposed legislation that failed to pass.
Disseminating inaccurate legal information can unnecessarily alarm parents, educators, healthcare professionals, mandatory reporters, and law enforcement officers while undermining public confidence in government institutions.
The Alabama Cannabis Coalition respectfully encourages all public agencies, educational institutions, media organizations, and members of the public to verify legislative claims using official Alabama legislative records before distributing information as fact.
Organizations that have shared or relied upon this misinformation should promptly review the official legislative history of HB72 and issue corrections where appropriate.
The Alabama Cannabis Coalition is copying this press release to the Alabama Attorney General's Office, the Alabama Association of School Boards, and other appropriate state officials in the interest of promoting accurate public information and preventing further dissemination of false legislative claims. Our purpose is not to criticize any agency or organization, but to encourage verification of the facts and ensure that Alabama citizens receive accurate information regarding the laws that govern them.
The ACC remains committed to providing Alabama citizens with accurate, factual, and verified information regarding cannabis policy and legislation.
As Founder and President H. Marty Schelper stated:
"Facts matter. Regardless of where someone stands on cannabis policy, every Alabamian deserves accurate information about the laws that govern them. Public trust depends on facts—not fear, rumors, or misinformation."
For verified information regarding Alabama cannabis legislation and policy, please visit:
