Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Discusses Legal Challenges and Administrative Updates in State Program

The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) recently held a meeting to address ongoing legal challenges and administrative updates in the state’s medical cannabis program. The meeting focused on updating regulatory rules to align with HB 390, which transferred licensing powers for cultivators from the Department of Agriculture and Industries to the AMCC.

Chair of the AMCC, Rex Vaughn, stated that the meeting was primarily to address housekeeping measures and shift responsibilities back to the commission from the Department of Agriculture and Industries. The meeting also discussed ongoing litigation, including a lawsuit filed in March against Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries commissioner, Rick Pate, by medical cannabis companies denied a license.

The lawsuit alleges that Pate failed to fulfill his duty to make decisions regarding the cultivation aspects of integrated facility applicants. The state’s medical cannabis law, passed in 2021, originally assigned licensing and regulatory authority over cultivation to the Department of Agriculture and Industries. However, the law has since been amended to allow the commission to seek cooperation from the Department of Agriculture and Industries.

The proposed regulations will undergo review by the Legislative Council Agency, and once published, the public will have 35 days to provide comments. Despite delays in the licensing process due to scoring inconsistencies and administrative issues, the AMCC remains committed to addressing challenges transparently and proactively.

The medical marijuana program in Alabama, approved in 2021, allows certified patients to use medical cannabis for various conditions. Patients must obtain a card to purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries, with restrictions on smoking or consuming cannabis in food. The program has faced setbacks due to legal disputes, resulting in a temporary halt on dispensary and integrated facility licenses.

As the AMCC continues to navigate legal challenges, stakeholders are hopeful for progress in the medical cannabis program. Stay tuned for updates on the evolving situation in Alabama’s medical cannabis industry.