Question 1

Can I Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Alabama?

Accepted Answer

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.
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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.

Question 2

Why Should I Get a Medical Marijuana Card?

Accepted Answer

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.
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Registered patients are permitted to possess a maximum of “70 daily dosages” of medical marijuana at one time. Doses of authorized marijuana products are capped at a maximum of 50 milligrams for the first 90 days. Patients are not permitted access to marijuana flower material or marijuana-infused edible products.

Question 3

Am I Guaranteed Approval for Medical Marijuana At My Appointment?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

How Do I Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Alabama?

Accepted Answer

When Alabama’s medical cannabis program launches, resident adults 19 or older can apply to become registered qualified cardholders.
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To receive an Alabama medical marijuana card, patients must first obtain a certified physician recommendation and apply through the Commission’s electronic registration system.
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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.

Question 5

What Will I Need to Receive a Medical Marijuana Card?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

Does Alabama Offer Medical Marijuana Reciprocity?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Where Can I Buy Medical Marijuana?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What Are the Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Alabama?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

What Are the Qualifications to Be a Patient or Caregiver?

Accepted Answer

Medical Cannabis Patient Qualifications
Residency: Must be a legal resident of Alabama
Age: Must be 19 years old or older
Condition: Must be certified by a registered physician as having a qualifying medical condition
Registration: Must register with the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission

Medical Cannabis Caregiver Qualifications 
Age: Must be at least 21 years old
Residency: Must be an Alabama resident
Background: Must submit to a background check
Limits: Can serve a maximum of three patients
Registration: Must provide personal information (name, address, photo) and register with the state

Question 10

What Medical Marijuana Products Will I Be Allowed to Purchase?

Accepted Answer

Tablets
Capsules
Tinctures
Gels, oils, and creams for topical use
Suppositories
Transdermal patches
Nebulizers
Liquids or oils for use in an inhaler

Question 11

When Will the Medical Marijuana Program in Alabama Go Live?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

How Long Will My Medical Marijuana Recommendation Be Good For?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

When Will Recreational Marijuana Be Legal in Alabama?

Accepted Answer

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.