What are the 15 Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Alabama?
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Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Alabama?
Yes, medical marijuana is legal in Alabama. However, due to some logistical delays and legal issues although medical marijuana is legal it’s not available. Medical marijuana legislation is a somewhat complex issue. It’s not as clear cut as it becomes legal and it is suddenly available for purchase.
Additionally, this slow rollout means it may be some time before cannabis is available for recreational use. Marijuana possession still carries strict penalties. Alabama also seems averse to accepting potential national cannabis reclassification.
There are talks of reclassifying cannabis from a Schedule 1 drug. This attitude towards cannabis just might explain some of the issue with establishing Alabama’s dispensaries.
Additionally, the logistics and implementation of a medical marijuana program bring delays. This includes the application process for the licensing of dispensaries, legal growers and establishing an entirely new industry in the state.
This post will explore some of these delays, the laws in place at the moment and also give you a picture of how to qualify for a medical marijuana card in Alabama. The laws can be a bit confusing so consider this a full breakdown of medical marijuana in Alabama so you can best navigate this new and emerging industry.
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Alabama Medical Marijuanas Laws
Alabama was not as early as some states to criminalize cannabis. In 1931, House Bill 29 was signed into law establishing marijuana as a narcotic. It would later become nationally criminalized by the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act.
In 2012, House Bill 66, a.k.a. The Alabama Medical Marijuana Patients Rights Act was introduced attempting to make cannabis available for qualifying patients but it was dismissed.
In 2014, Alabama Senate Bill 174 a.k.a. Carly’s Law was successfully passed into law. It legally allowed CBD oil for children with epilepsy. It also authorized the University of Alabama at Birmingham to research the effects of CBD oil.
In 2015, state Senator Bobby Singleton proposed the Medical Marijuana Patient Safe Access Act (Senate Bill 326). It would have allowed patients with 25 qualifying conditions to access medical cannabis.
In 2016, Leni’s Law (House Bill 61) expanded the availability of CBD oil to any patients suffering from seizures. Patients also did not require recommendations exclusively from the University of Birmingham and allowed for the use of low-THC CBD oil as long as it did not exceed 3% THC.
In 2019, the Alabama legislature introduced Senate Bill 236 which created a Medical Cannabis Study Commission to investigate the benefits of medical marijuana.
In 2021, Governor Kay Ivey approved Senate Bill 46, the Darren Wesley ‘Ato’ Hall Compassion Act legalized medical marijuana under the administration of the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC).
Under the Alabama law, the AMCC can only approve four medical marijuana dispensaries (each with up to three dispensing locations) and five integrated facilities (each with up to five dispensary locations).
The reason for the extensive delays is that the first people to receive these dispensary licenses have been in litigation. To resolve this issue Senate Bill 276, sponsored by Senator David Sessions would increase the number of licenses and also ensure that the AMCC’s approved licensees get their licenses to remove this legal hurdle to implementation of the program.
Once there are license holders and the AMCC is no longer burdened by courtroom issues it can move forward with implementing the medical marijuana program. Additionally, it appears that there is no interest in decriminalizing marijuana in Alabama. Time will tell if this conservative attitude changes for the sake of recreational legalization.
Alabama Medical Marijuanas Card Requirements & Limitations:
The requirements for medical marijuana in Alabama are outlined despite there being delays to its rollout.
In order for a patient to qualify for a medical marijuana card they must be :
- A State Resident
- 19 Years Or Older
- Certified By Registered Physician
- Have A Qualifying Condition
- Registered With The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission
For patients under 19 their parents or guardians can register as caregivers to obtain medical marijuana products and must fit the same criteria but have a certification for their child.
There are limitations to the products allowed for medical marijuana patients. Some products are legal and some remain illegal.
Legal Products include:
- Capsules
- Gels, oils, and creams for topical use
- Liquids or oils for use in an inhaler
- Nebulizers
- Suppositories
- Tablets
- Tinctures
- Transdermal patches
The following remain unavailable to patients:
- Raw Plant Material
- Products That Could Be Smoked Or Vaped
- Food Products Such As Cookies Or Candies
This means edibles and smoking weed remain illegal in Alabama.
What Are the 15 Conditions for Medical Marijuanas in Alabama?
States with approved medical marijuana legislation require you have a state-approved medical condition. To qualify for a medical marijuana card you must have a medical diagnosis of one of the following conditions:
- Autism
- Cancer-Related Weight Loss
- Chronic Pain For Which Conventional Therapies And Opiates Should Not Be Used Or Are Ineffective
- Crohn’s
- Depression
- Epilepsy Or Condition Causing Seizures
- HIV/AIDS-Related Nausea Or Weight Loss
- Panic Disorder
- Parkinson’s
- Persistent Nausea Not Related To Pregnancy
- PTSD
- Sickle Cell
- Spasticity Associated With Diseases Including Als, Multiple Sclerosis, And Spinal Cord Injuries
- Terminal Illnesses
- Tourette’s
How to Apply for Medical Marijuanas Card in Alabama
1. Book an Appointment
Schedule an appointment on the Green Health Docs website or by calling or texting 240-356-1000 to set up your consultation.
2. Meet with Your Physician
Your state-approved physician will review your symptoms and eligibility for medical marijuana.
3. Register With The State
While the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission has not begun accepting applications most states have the same process for registering for your medical marijuana card or certification. It’s highly likely that these will be the steps to getting your recommendation.
Photo by Josh Pigford
Alabama Medical Marijuana Card FAQs
Here’s a list of common questions regarding the law and medical marijuana in Alabama.
Is Alabama Recreational Or Medical?
Currently, there is no cannabis available for sale in Alabama. Alabama has currently legalized medical marijuana. However, the rollout process is taking some time due to the legal and logistical delays.
Recreational cannabis is not currently legal at this time and given these delays and the climate towards decriminalization it’s likely that it will take time before recreational cannabis is even considered let alone established for sale.
Where Can I Get A Medical Marijuana Card In Alabama?
The process of getting your medical marijuana card begins by finding a doctor. Green Health Docs staffs doctors all over the United States who are certified in each state and well versed in qualifying conditions.
While the process has not officially begun, Green Health Docs is accustomed to this process and will begin seeing patients as soon as Alabama starts certifying doctors.
Can I Grow Medical Marijuana In Alabama?
Alabama medical marijuana law does not allow patients to grow cannabis plants. Additionally, cannabis flower is not legal even for medical marijuana patients.
However, if you’re curious about becoming a cannabis cultivator there is the potential to apply for a license to grow cannabis commercially.
How Long Till Medical Marijuana Is Available In Alabama?
It is unclear when medical marijuana will be available in Alabama. In late 2023, the application process began for cultivators and dispensary licenses. This process can take some time and the Alabama state website has said that the process may begin in 2024.
Realistically, it could even take until 2025 for medical marijuana sales to begin. The process begins with establishing license holders for dispensaries, cultivating cannabis, and testing, certifying doctors, and also fielding applications for a medical marijuana card.
This process can potentially take 1-2 years because there is a period of reviewing applications, approving licenses, opening dispensaries, certifying doctors, and then finally fielding patient applications.
Final Thoughts
Alabama has not pulled the trigger on their medical marijuana program. However, for Alabama patients with qualifying conditions, being ready will be vital to getting your medical marijuana card in Alabama as quickly as it’s available.
Green Health Docs is on deck with cannabis doctors in Alabama who are ready to be certified. With doctors in multiple states, Green Health Docs has helped make this process seamless for patients to get their medicine.
This article has been reviewed by Dr. Anand Dugar, an anesthesiologist, pain medicine physician and the founder of Green Health Docs. Graduating from medical school in 2004 and residency in 2008, Dr. Dugar has been a licensed physician for almost 20 years and has been leading the push for medical cannabis nationwide.