May lightning strike and the sky’s part because the Alabama Cannabis market has received excellent news. Amazing progression in both the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission license timeline and medical cannabis cultivation rules have been released.
In this blog, we’ll detail the current Alabama cannabis license applications and licensing requirements timetable along with the new Alabama Medical Cannabis Cultivation rules.
Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission – License Timetable
At the end of the section on Applications and Licensing Requirements, the Alabama Cannabis Commission set out a firm timetable for the application and Alabama license awarding processes. The key takeaways:
- Applicants can “request” a “License Application Form” from the commission between September 1 and October 17.
- The deadline for submitting applications is December 30.
- The commission intends to issue licenses on July 10, 2023.
This is the first time the commission has given a clear timeline for awarding cannabis licenses. The proposed rules are subject to change before they become final. The commission will accept submissions of data, views, or arguments concerning the proposed rules until August 5th, 2022.
Medical Cannabis Cultivation Rules Alabama Department of Agriculture:
A very important step was taken for the establishment of a viable medical cannabis program by approving the final rule for cultivating medical cannabis in Alabama. This rule was made by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries.
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries issued a proposed rule on Medical Cannabis Cultivation, outlining requirements for cultivators and integrated facilities licensed by the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, on May 17, 2022.
July 12th, 2022, video monitoring inside cultivation facilities:
A hearing was held on July 12, 2022, after the public comment period for the proposed rule had closed, during which the department voted to approve the proposed rule with four changes. Two of these changes were non-substantive and only related to style.
The department voted to revise the rules relating to video monitoring inside cultivation facilities. The proposed rule stated that monitoring cameras must be able to recognize faces. The department changed this language in the final approved rule to say that monitoring cameras must be clear enough to determine facial features.
The original language for “facial recognition” caused concern because people will be wearing hairnets, masks, and other protective gear to keep bacteria out of the crop. The purpose of this section was to identify people in and around the cultivation areas, and the department decided that the updated language does this better.
Section 80-14-1-08:
The proposed rule change to delete the “Location” part of Section 80-14-1-08 was made because the department was worried about cross-pollination between hemp plants and marijuana plants.
The originally proposed section would not have allowed cultivators or integrated facilities to be located within one mile of each other or any hemp grower, but the department decided to scrap the provision altogether.
Medical cannabis still has a long way to go in Alabama, and its medical cannabis cultivation is still subject to further rulemaking procedures. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission has issued its rules that speak to a far broader regime.
How can our Alabama Cannabis License Experts (CLE) help?
It’s important to know all requirements before pursuing a cannabis license in Alabama. At Cannabis License Experts our team has the experience to guide you through the process.
While the Alabama cannabis application period is not currently open, it is anticipated that the state will release applications by September 1st. 2022. CLE can develop a preliminary business and feasibility plan to help give an understanding of business viability within this emerging market and act as a roadmap to licensure within the state.
As the Alabama cannabis industry develops, more and more licensed producers, cultivators and dispensaries will be needed to meet the demands of consumers.
What kind of support do we provide?
Cannabis License Experts offer support from day one of starting your cannabis business. This may include strategic planning, floor plan preparation, site audits, SOPs, Preventive Control Plans (PCPs), and more.
Our Edibles Compliance division can provide you with a solid plan for your edibles business to help get your products on store shelves.
Contact us today to discover how we can license and legalize your cannabis business to meet federal or provincial regulations.
