The Latest on Alabama’s Medical Marijuana Laws and Program

Christopher D.
11 minutes ago
5 min read

Alabama took a major step forward when it legalized medical marijuana for qualified patients. But while the law is technically in place, the state’s rollout has been anything but smooth. Legal battles, licensing delays, and shifting regulations have slowed patient access, but things are finally moving in the right direction.

If you live in Alabama and want to understand the latest on the state’s medical marijuana laws and how to legally prepare for treatment, this update covers everything you need to know, including why getting your medical marijuana card is the smartest first step.

Alabama Has Legalized Medical Marijuana, But Not for Everyone

Under Alabama’s Darren Wesley “Ato” Hall Compassion Act, the possession and use of medical marijuana is legal for qualified patients who receive approval from a certified physician - that’s where we will come in! However, only certain forms are allowed.

Approved medical marijuana products include:

Tablets and capsules
Tinctures
Topical creams, gels, and oils
Suppositories
Transdermal patches.
Nebulizers.
Liquids or oils for use in an inhaler.

Importantly, smoking marijuana, vaping, or consuming raw plant material is prohibited under Alabama’s current law. For the first 90 days, patients are limited to no more than 50 milligrams per day, with possible increases allowed only after physician review and approval.

Dispensaries Are Coming Soon

Although the law was passed, Alabama’s medical marijuana program has been stuck in legal limbo. Licensing issues, lawsuits, and delays in the approval process have slowed progress for months. As of now, dispensaries are not yet open, and patients cannot access medical marijuana through licensed retail outlets.

The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) continues to work through legal challenges. The first crop is reportedly ready for harvest, and several licensed growers are preparing to distribute products once dispensaries are authorized to open.

So while the program is not yet fully operational, the infrastructure is in motion, and qualified patients should prepare now so they’re ready as soon as dispensaries open their doors.

Why You Should Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Now

Even though sales haven’t started, there’s no better time to begin the certification process. Here’s why getting your Alabama medical marijuana card early is the right move:

1. Be First in Line When Dispensaries Open

Once dispensaries launch, there will likely be a surge in demand. Having your card in hand now means you won’t have to wait when products become available.

2. Ensure Legal Protection

Patients with a valid medical marijuana card are protected under Alabama law. That includes legal possession and use, provided they follow product and dosage limits.

3. Access Medical Guidance

Getting certified means working with a healthcare professional who can recommend the right product type and dosage for your specific condition.

What Are the Qualifying Conditions?

To become a medical marijuana patient, you must be diagnosed with one of the state-approved qualifying conditions, which include:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Cancer-related cachexia, 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 that is not significantly responsive to traditional treatment, except for nausea related to pregnancy, cannabis-induced cyclical vomiting syndrome, or cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Sickle Cell Anemia.
Spasticity associated with a motor neuron disease, including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Spasticity associated with Multiple Sclerosis or a spinal cord injury.
A terminal illness.
Tourette's Syndrome.
A condition causing chronic or intractable pain in which conventional therapeutic intervention and appropriate therapy is contraindicated or has proved ineffective.

More conditions may be approved by the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission on a case-by-case basis. Patients must be evaluated by a licensed physician who is registered with the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission to make marijuana recommendations.

Legal Limits and Product Restrictions

Alabama’s medical marijuana law is tightly regulated, especially regarding dosage and product types. Patients are limited to 50 milligrams per day for the first 90 days, with increases only allowed by physician approval. All products must come in child-resistant packaging with clear dosage labels, and use in public or while driving is not allowed.

While medical marijuana is legal under Alabama law, it remains classified as a Schedule I substance federally. Despite the law being in place, the program has been delayed due to lawsuits from rejected applicants. Licenses have been issued, revoked, and reissued, causing widespread setbacks. As of May 2025, several growers have completed their first harvest and are ready to distribute, but dispensaries can’t open until legal disputes are resolved. The launch date remains uncertain, pending ongoing court decisions.

The Bigger Picture

While Alabama’s medical marijuana program remains stalled, lawmakers have moved forward with House Bill 445, a separate measure targeting THC products derived from hemp, such as delta-8 and delta-10. The bill introduces strict regulations, including a 10mg THC limit per serving, 40mg per package, an age restriction of 21, a mandatory license to sell, and a 10% excise tax on all sales.

Many hemp business owners fear the new law could force small dispensaries and specialty shops to close, especially those that provide alternative THC products to people still waiting for access to the medical marijuana program. Supporters argue the bill helps protect youth and crack down on unregulated sales, while critics believe it threatens Alabama’s growing wellness industry, particularly given the continued delays in launching full medical marijuana access.

Though Alabama's medical marijuana law is active, legal access is still pending. For patients with qualifying conditions, medical marijuana offers real potential relief, but only through proper certification. If you’re considering treatment, don’t wait. Schedule an in-person visit with a certified physician, gather your medical records, and be ready to apply for your Alabama medical marijuana card as soon as patient registration opens.

Get Ready for Medical Marijuana in Alabama

Based on the current timeline, patients with qualifying conditions should be able to purchase marijuana products from dispensaries sometime this year. Safe and natural relief in Alabama is coming soon!

If you think medical marijuana may benefit you, why not apply? Here at Alabama Marijuana Card, we can help! The best thing you can do is be prepared when the Alabama medical marijuana program launches.

Reserve an evaluation online today with one of our compassionate marijuana doctors, and as soon as the rules for the state’s medical marijuana plan are finalized, our medical staff will be ready to help determine whether or not you qualify.

We’ll make an appointment for you just as soon as we can, and your new doctor will discuss your conditions and whether you qualify for an Alabama Marijuana Card. And if you make your reservation online today, you’ll even save $25 off the cost of your evaluation!

Doctors Who Care.

Relief You Can Trust.

At Alabama Marijuana Card, our mission is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

If you have any questions, call us at (833) 781-5633, or simply reserve a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting the relief you can trust today!

Check out Alabama Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information.