The Alabama House of Representatives moved quickly Thursday to pass a bill for state regulation and new restrictions on the sales of gummies, drinks, and other consumable products containing certain chemicals derived from hemp.

The bill by Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Harvest, passed by a vote of 76-15. There was no debate on the House floor before the vote, although the bill had been discussed extensively in committee meetings.

State law already prohibits selling the products to minors but leaves them otherwise unregulated.

Whitt said the products containing THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, pose a danger to children, teens and others. Varieties of the chemical are called Delta 8, Delta 9, and Delta 10.

Supporters of more regulation say the products emerged after Congress legalized production of hemp in 2018.

Hemp is a form of the cannabis plant, like marijuana, but has a lower THC content.

Lawmakers have heard pros and cons at public hearings on Whitt’s bill and others on the same topic. Supporters of the bill, including law enforcement, said some lab tests showed that some products purchased in Alabama stores exceeded the legal THC content for hemp-derived products.

People who manufacture and sell the products have said they do not oppose regulations, such as prohibiting sales to minors.

But they said Whitt’s bill calls for excessive restrictions that are not justified for products that they said are safer than alcohol and tobacco for adult users.

Whitt’s bill would restrict sales of the products to stores that do not allow people younger than age 21. The association representing Alabama convenience stores opposes taking the products out of the stores.

Whitt’s bill would require the Alcoholic Beverage and Control Board to license and regulate manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers.

It would place a limit on the amount of THC per serving size, would require the ABC store to approve labels, would require warnings on labels.

Several other bills have been proposed to regulate hemp-derived consumable products. But none has passed the House or Senate before Whitt’s bill passed on Thursday.

Whitt’s bill moves to the Senate.