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Alabama is nearing even closer to creating its medical cannabis program, and we’re going to give you the latest on everything related to legalized cannabis in Alabama.
In this blog, you’ll get updates on the availability of medical cannabis, where you can source it, which conditions the AMCC laws will accept cannabis as a treatment for, how it’ll be distributed, and much more.
Availability of medical cannabis in Alabama:
The state of Alabama currently has a medical cannabis law on the books, and it intends to get its medical cannabis industry up and running in the near future. In 2021, the Alabama Legislature approved a bill authorizing medical cannabis production by distributors, processors, and growers. The implementation of this bill will allow Alabama residents to get medical cannabis for up to 16 different conditions.
When can we expect medical cannabis availability in Alabama?
According to the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC), it does not foresee medical cannabis being available before the end of 2023. Unfortunately, there were many rules and databases, and regulations that the commission needed to be developed before the final rules were approved during an AMCC meeting on August 11. This is great news, as it could potentially allow the Alabama cannabis license application process to begin in September.
Although the application deadline is December 30, don’t expect to receive your license until June 2023.
How can I get medical cannabis in Alabama once it’s available?
If you are a physician, you’ll have the option of joining Alabama’s medical cannabis program. Anyone who wants to purchase medical cannabis must have an ongoing patient relationship with their physician, who diagnoses them with a condition for which cannabis can treat it. One’s doctor will then have to submit documentation from physical exams, conventional treatments that have been attempted, and a treatment plan for using medical cannabis. Any patients who receive medical cannabis will have to consent to the treatment and obtain a medical cannabis card. The patients can get the card from the state directly, and the card can only be used at a state-licensed cannabis dispensary.
What are the recognized conditions that Alabama’s medical cannabis law recognizes?
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Cancer-related cachexia (weight or muscle loss), nausea or vomiting, weight loss, or chronic pain
- Crohn’s Disease
- Depression
- Epilepsy or a condition causing seizures.
- HIV/AIDS-related nausea or weight loss
- Panic Disorder
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Persistent nausea
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Spasticity associated with Multiple Sclerosis or spinal cord injury
- A terminal illness
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- A condition causing chronic or intractable pain
How will medical cannabis be distributed in Alabama?
The current 2021 law forbids medical cannabis to be used recreationally or in edibles. Instead, it will be offered in capsules, tablets, gelatins, gels, oils, creams, patches, etc. The AMCC has even voted for a single gelatin flavor, which will apparently be peach.
The anticipated prescribed amount is expected to be up to 50 mg of legal cannabis per day, which can be increased to 75 mg after 3 months if required for treatment. The only exception to these rules is in the case of patients with terminal illnesses.
How can Cannabis License Experts serve you?
For more info on proposed rule changes, grow facilities, cultivation rules, and timelines for medical cannabis in Alabama click here:
It’s important to know all the 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’s anticipated the state will allow the application process to begin on September 1, 2022. CLE can develop a preliminary business and feasibility plan to help give you an understanding of your business’s viability, and serve 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 offers support from day one of starting your cannabis business. This may include strategic planning, floor plan preparation, site audits, Standard Operating Procedures (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 state regulations.
