By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

PELHAM – A 55-year-old Alabaster woman is facing a trio of felony drug-dealing charges and a marijuana possession charge after she allegedly distributed CBD oil from a Pelham business.

The Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force arrested Kinnari Kothari Modi, who lists an address on Thompson Road in Alabaster, on Dec. 8 and charged her with three counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance and one felony count of first-degree possession of marijuana.

Unlawful distribution of a controlled substance is a Class B felony, and carries a maximum sentence of 20 years upon conviction. First-degree possession of marijuana is a Class C felony, and carries a maximum sentence of a decade in prison upon conviction.

The arrest came after Modi allegedly distributed CBD oil on three separate occasions from a business in the 3100 block of Shelby County 52: Once on Oct. 23, once on Nov. 4 and again on Nov. 12.

On Nov. 12, Modi also allegedly was in possession of marijuana for a reason “other than personal use,” according to her arrest warrants.

CBD oil has been legal in Alabama for medical use since the Alabama Legislature passed a bill authorizing it in 2014. The substance currently is being used through a program at UAB Hospital to treat symptoms such as frequent seizures caused by others diseases and disorders.

However, CBD oil, which is derived from the cannabis plant, is illegal in Alabama for use outside approved medical programs.

Modi was released from the Shelby County Jail the same day she was arrested after posting bonds totaling $35,000. She is scheduled to appear in Shelby County District Court on Jan. 13, 2016, for a preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m.