Medical marijuana is not yet available in Alabama, so you cannot currently get a medical marijuana card in the state. Governor Kay Ivey signed Alabama’s medical cannabis law, Senate Bill 46, in 2021. The law permits licensed growers, processors, and distributors to produce medical marijuana and sets a plan to establish the state’s medical cannabis industry. ​ The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission hopes to launch the program by the end of 2026, allowing residents with qualifying conditions to apply for access. Until then, residents cannot receive a medical marijuana card in Alabama or purchase cannabis to help treat medical conditions. Once the medical program launches, a patient or caregiver card will be the only way to access cannabis legally in the state. Recreational use is still banned, and residents can be fined or jailed for possessing minor amounts of cannabis.

The benefits of having a medical marijuana card in Alabama will include legal protection, access, and monetary savings. Future medical marijuana cardholders in Alabama will be able to access marijuana tablets, capsules, gelatins, oils, gels, creams, suppositories, transdermal patches, and inhaler-based oils legally. ​ Medical marijuana patients will be able to consume up to 50 milligrams of legal marijuana daily to start. After three months, patients can take up to 75 milligrams daily, pending a doctor’s recommendation. In total, patients could possess up to 60 daily doses of cannabis at a time. Terminal patients will not have a dosage limit.

We can’t guarantee approval for anyone, as the Alabama marijuana doctor is the only person that determines whether or not a patient qualifies. To make it more likely that you receive approval from the doctor, we recommend that you bring as much information as possible to your appointment regarding your medical condition and past treatments.

When Alabama’s medical cannabis program launches, resident adults 19 or older can apply to become registered qualified cardholders. ​ To receive an Alabama medical marijuana card, patients must first obtain a certified physician recommendation and apply through the Commission’s electronic registration system. ​ Patients must have an established relationship with a registered certifying practitioner who can recommend medical cannabis use. The State Board of Medical Examiners must authorize physicians, complete four four-hour medical cannabis courses, have an active Alabama DEA registration, and pay a state fee, among other requirements. Physicians must also prove they have an established relationship with the qualifying patient.

Prospective medical cannabis cardholders in Alabama will need the following: • A medical marijuana recommendation certification from a registered certifying physician. The physician certification must include written attestations that they have an established relationship with the patient, that the patient has a qualifying condition, that conventional therapy has failed, that the patient has given consent, and that the physician has followed all state requirements. • Patient registration fee. • Patient’s government-issued ID, such as a license, ID card, or social security card. • The physician’s government ID. • A digital color photograph of the patient taken no more than 30 days before submission • Written “attestation” from the patient that they’ve received risks and benefits education from their physician; they have given treatment consent to the physician and will comply with all provisions of the Act. • Completed electronic application, including personal contact information • Any additional information the Commission may reasonably require in the future

Alabama does not recognize medical marijuana reciprocity for nonresidents. Out-of-state medical marijuana patients cannot buy cannabis from licensed dispensaries while visiting the state.

Medical marijuana dispensaries are not currently operational in Alabama. The Commission hopes to launch licensed dispensaries in the state by the end of 2026. Once Alabama dispensaries open, patients and caregivers must show medical cannabis cards to enter. They may also be required to show a state ID.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder • Cancer-related cachexia, nausea or vomiting, weight loss, 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

• For Patient: • State resident • 19 or older • Certified by registered physician • Has qualifying condition • Registered with the Commission • Has been issued a valid medical cannabis card • For Patient Under 19: • State resident • Certified by registered physician • Has qualifying condition • Has caregiver who is parent or guardian • For Caregiver: • State resident • Registered with Commission • Issued a medical cannabis caregiver card • At least 21 years old (unless parent/guardian of a registered qualified patient) • May purchase and possess medical cannabis, but may not use medical cannabis unless he/she is also a registered qualified patient ​

• Tablets • Capsules • Tinctures • Gels, oils, and creams for topical use • Suppositories • Transdermal patches • Nebulizers • Liquids or oils for use in an inhaler • Prohibited Products: • Raw plant material • Products that could be smoked or vaped • Food products such as cookies or candies

We predict the program will be up and running by the end of 2026. Hopefully, it's sooner than later!

An Alabama Medical Marijuana Card will be good for 1 year.

Recreational marijuana will not be considered for 4 years. Lawmakers in the state of Alabama are opposed to the recreational use of cannabis, so patients will not have the option of purchasing cannabis legally at any location other than a medical dispensary.