(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)AP. Montgomery was the first city to adopt an ordinance. Under the new law, employers have a lot of discretion and protection. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Joe Godfrey, a consultant with the Alabama Citizens Action Program, an interdenominational ministry that lobbies for evangelical Christian interests in the Alabama Legislature, said the law requires cities and counties to have buy-in before a dispensary was set up. After three months, a physician will be allowed to bump the dosage up to 75 mg. The licenses available include cultivators, processors, dispensaries, secure transporters, and state testing labs. If youre approved, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission will enter your information into the statewide cannabis patient registry system. As of now, doctors can prescribe the drug for up to 12 months at a time. Alabama medical marijuana cards are only valid at licensed dispensaries within the state of Alabama. A lot of the heavy lifting that was involved in the application was site-specific, meaning having to do with real estate, May said. When implemented, Alabamians will be able to get medical cannabis for 16 different conditions. On today's episode, Georgia's first two medical cannabis dispensaries are officially open for business. Cannabisdispensaries are not yet openin Alabama. The Alabama Board of Pharmacy has not announced a policy on the involvement of pharmacists in the medical cannabis industry. Or would you prefer that it be regulated? A certified dispenser and a security guard must be on duty at all times a dispensary is open. Kay Ivey replaced a Cabinet member who oversaw the state's award-winning prekindergarten program because of a teacher training book with language about inclusion and combatting structural racism, she said Thursday. However, patients under 19 may not receive more than 3% THC in their prescriptions. The Alabama Legislature in 2021 approved a bill that authorized the production of medical cannabis by licensed growers, processors and distributors. We just want to help the citizens of Alabama that are sick and can use the product have a reliable, quality product and have access to it.. After the General Assembly legalized medical marijuana in 2016, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy started the program with roughly 60 dispensary licenses across the state, including around 56 licenses it had originally awarded and some additional licenses that were added as the result of litigation. While remodeling their retail space, dispensary business owners say they found black mold, asbestos and a large slab of concrete connected to ceiling joists. The illegal status of marijuana under federal law raises questions for some about involvement in state-approved medical cannabis programs, including concerns from banks about providing services for the industry. Winter weather interfered with new builds or burst pipes, which caused water damage that then had to be repaired. Some described problems with their real estate partner. The timeline for when you can start buying the drug could be a year or more. Weather also delayed construction, Nevil Patel, who is with the companys Columbia, Missouri, owner, wrote in Jan. 26 paperwork to the Board of Pharmacy. They must complete a foundational course in medical cannabis and receive at least 10 hours of continuing education a year. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission is responsible for issuing licenses to cultivators, processors, transporters, testing facilities, and dispensaries. Stores can only sell to people who have gotten a registry card approved by a physician. Last month, Gov. Kay Ivey signed Alabamas first-ever medical marijuana law. The 100-page document can be a little daunting, so we read through it and pulled out the highlights. 1. What Will The Law Do, And How Do You Get Approved? The law legalizes medical marijuana for adults and minors with certain conditions under a doctors recommendation. City and town governments from the Tennessee Valley to the Wiregrass have been adopting ordinances in recent weeks backing a medical marijuana dispensary operating within their municipal boundaries. No, there are no medical cannabis reciprocity laws in Alabama. There are currently no medical or recreational dispensaries in Alabama open for business. Medical Marijuana To Become Available in Alabama in 2023. Is Legalization or Decriminalization Next? Alabama is inching towards the launch of its medical marijuana program. Medical marijuana patients are expected to have access to dispensaries in early 2023. Each company can have up to six licenses. Also, the commission will have to accept bids for the statewide seed-to-sale tracking system, which tracks all inventory and transactions across the state. To add further fuel to the legalization and decriminalization controversy Senator Bobby Singleton introduced a marijuana decriminalization and expungement bill. The bill was then referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The organization is also responsible for the licensing of dispensaries and processors. These sites may also have up to five dispensing sites in different counties. The Darren Wesley Ato Hall Compassion Act, minors may participate in the medical marijuana program. Other operations within the medical marijuana industry such as cultivators, processors, transporters, and laboratories do not require an ordinance or resolution approved by a local government entity. This law makes it illegal for anyone in the state of Alabama to purchase guns or ammunition if they also consume any marijuana products. Find cannabis dispensaries in Alabama. In order for us to agree to a lease with CREAM, there has to be some sort of way they have to show credibility, Soares said. WebCheck out the Alabama State Programs details. A point-of-sale vendor was identified. Joe Godfrey, a consultant with the Alabama Citizens Action Program, an interdenominational ministry that lobbies for evangelical Christian interests in the Alabama Legislature, said the law requires cities and counties to have buy-in before a dispensary was set up. The Commission recently revised the bill to allow nine marijuana cultivator licenses. Indoor space buildout could not begin until the new roof was installed. The commission has also been tasked with setting up a registry of patients and their designated caregivers who can legally purchase cannabis products. Vaughn and AMCCs director have different estimates for when the products will be available, with one suggesting that products could be available to eligible patients in Alabama dispensaries by as early as October or November 2023, and the other suggesting early next year, as legal challenges could disrupt the timeline. We encourage citizens to contact their local leaders if they want to prevent dispensaries from expanding into their communities., Godfrey said his concern is the industry will bring about large revenues to the local communities that receive one of the licenses, bring to fruition what he says is the age-old argument that people will drive to other cities and counties to get their marijuana, so you might as well keep those dollars in your own city and/or county., He added, What they fail to disclose is the increase in drug use and the social costs those communities will face.. It emphasizes that recreational use of marijuana remains a significant threat to public health and safety. As a result, lawmakers instituted a pretty hefty punishment for violating the law. According to the law, those conditions arent covered as of now. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The applications then must be submitted to the commission by December 30. Finally, employers arent required to help pay for the drug through medical insurance plans or reimbursements, and they have the right to deny workers compensation for someone who fails a drug test or refuses to take one. The state cannabis commission will also establish one universal flavor for the jelly cubes and lozenges. Twice the Wellness on Chagrin Boulevard in Woodmere, owned by a company in Chicago, chose an existing build to save money and streamline costs, wrote the companys Hudson Bailey. All rights reserved (About Us). You can find him on Twitter at @adam_sjackson and email him at adam.jackson@crain.com. He said there are three possible entities interested in applying for one and is confident they will have a positive impact on Macon County if any of them receive a dispensary license. Its unclear if CREAM Apothecaries will be able to meet that timeline. Schedule a consultation with a licensed doctor in the state. This bill is now known as Lenis Law. How To Use Cannabis Tinctures Sublingually, Top Marijuana Growers Forums Find Expert Tips & Tricks. I believe we ought to legalize it and decriminalize it, Thomas said. Advocates say that we should not focus on all the small details and remember that this is to help sick people live a better life. The pharmacy board gave the dispensary until May 13 to pass a final inspection. A security system was purchased. Your email address will not be published. Only the Alabama Legislature can approve an expansion of the program, but that is unlikely to happen this year. Complete a 4-hour continuing medical education course on medical cannabis and pass an examination, 1st conviction: Class C misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine not to exceed $250, 2nd conviction: Class C misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine not to exceed $500, 3rd & subsequent convictions: Class D felony, punishable only by a fine not to exceed $750, If all goes well Alabama may soon witness the eradication of draconian penalties for simple possession of marijuana. On Sept. 1, the AMCC began accepting requests for license applications for cultivators, processors, transporters, testing labs, dispensaries, and integrated companies performing multiple functions. Maxwell said he is hopeful the county will get one OKd for a dispensary license. It doesnt legalize medical marijuana for everyone. Its proven now. Alabama is drawing closer to the creation of a medical cannabis program, which could give access to marijuana (in limited forms) to patients across the state. One is the Minnesota Department of Healths annual review of medical cannabis studies, last updated in May. Peter Biello: Welcome to the Georgia Today podcast from GPB News. Alabama could initially have as many as 37 dispensaries in cities and counties that approve them by resolution or ordinance, a process happening now. Appointments are subject to Senate confirmation. Patel included photos showing construction of the building and said other parts of the business required by the pharmacy board were underway. Alabama Medical Cannabis States with medical marijuana laws Updates Last update: September 22, 2022 Alabama legislative session convenes; decriminalization bill poised to be reconsidered On January 11, Alabama's 2022 legislative session began. The state allowed for what they call stacking, which was they allow for multiple applicants to apply for a license on one location, Soares said. We ask for personal financials. WebMarijuana dispensaries in Alabama, AL Open now Storefronts Delivery Order online Best The companys Pamela Siekman also said that additional foundation had to be poured in the basement, old concrete was removed and additional footings were installed. Since February, Flora Farms' four dispensaries have experienced a 200-300% increase in sales. I see it as a possibility to do great things in helping us retain our people who are graduating and moving out of the economy, said Louis Maxwell, the chairman of the Macon County Commission. So I think the more pharmacology, the more science that these certified dispensers have, the better off everybody is.. Webwelcome to the alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Patients with qualifying, I think I can speak for the commission members. - If the company hasnt passed a final inspection by May 13, it must pay a $5,000 fine on or before May 14. Medical marijuana was legalized in Alabama with the signing of SB46, . Thats where the future will be. Licensed medical cannabis dispensaries will be distinct from retail drug stores. This leaves little legal defense for employees. Want to know what's coming next? They will have to control every aspect in the production part of it to make sure that theyre timely, and that the tested THC content in the plant is consistent come harvest time. The AMCC has already established a timetable for the application and issuing of Alabama cannabis dispensary licenses: September 1, 2022: Applicants can start requesting the license application forms on the AMCCs website. Greg May, a Columbus attorney whose practice specializes in cannabis, cannabidiol or CBD and hemp, said numerous consultants and businesses got involved as middlemen ahead of the second round of provisional dispensary licenses. Those that are chosen will have until June 26, 2023 to pay the license fee. There is a lot of research that still needs to take place as to how these chemicals can help with disease state management.. Public consumption of marijuana, medical or otherwise is strictly prohibited in the state of Alabama. Education is the only way to do that.. It will be an intrastate business, with cannabis grown and products made in Alabama. The law legalizes medical marijuana for adults and minors with certain conditions under a doctors recommendation. with the assistance of a caregiver, including a parent or guardian. Securing a license to operate a medical marijuana dispensary might not be as elusive as finding that fictitious gold ticket to tour Willy Wonkas chocolate factory. Voters in Arizona, Montana, New Jersey and South Dakota approved Going through that process of opening up a pharmacy, trying to build up the patient volume, trying to educate the prescribers on what we do, what services we can provide, thats the same kind of expectation I have for a lot of these dispensaries, Blakemore said. Watch for an announcement from the Alabama medical cannabis authority for information on the location of the new dispensaries. So, long story short: It could be September 2022 before eligible patients can start applying for a medical marijuana card. To get legally approved to use the drug, you have to visit a doctor who has a current license to practice medicine in Alabama and has passed an exam on medical marijuana. Blakemore said there is an expanding body of science about medical cannabis and that certified dispensers need a solid base of knowledge even if they are not pharmacists. Theyve had to replace roofs and perform partial demolitions to look at the duct work. Certified dispensers must have a minimum two years of education or experience in biology, chemistry, pharmacology, medical cannabis, or a similar field. National Conference for State Legislatures, the state of Alabama is the 37th state to legalize the sale and use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. The law will allow doctors to prescribe medical marijuana for several conditions including cancer, terminal illnesses, epilepsy, and chronic pain. There are still so many unanswered questions It purchases or leases building space that follows the law and meets specifications in each state, then leases or subleases that space to prospective dispensaries. Alabama only allows medical cannabis to be administered via: Consumption, and even possession, are prohibited in K-12 schools, child care facilities, and correctional facilities. Moreover, participating physicians must receive an annual certification permit from the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners. Id prefer that it be regulated.. The commission will also be tasked with establishing standards like how the drug should be packaged and labeled; chain of custody requirements; and how the drug can be advertised and marketed by dispensaries. the AMCC began accepting requests for license applications. Be registered with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and several state agencies. The fee wont exceed $65. Updated: Sep 19, 2022 / 03:46 PM CDT HOUSTON COUNTY, Ala. ( WDHN) The operation of medical marijuana dispensing sites has been approved in Houston County. Julian Aaron, CannDevs cofounder with Soares, disagrees with the characterization that the company was too opportunistic. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) -Governor Kay Ivey officially signed Alabamas medical marijuana bill into law. All individuals wishing to obtain a doctor evaluation for a medical marijuana card recommendation may now do so from the comfort of their homes via a telemedicine appointment using their computer, tablet, or smartphone to conduct the appointment. Cannabis dispensaries are not yet open in Alabama. Patients with qualifying, debilitating medical conditions can receive a registry identification card for legal access to medical marijuana. Ive seen people benefit by taking those medications, Blakemore said. WebAlabama Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Marijuana Doctors | Online Medical Card And some out-of-state firms want in. They must have surveillance cameras as part of a cohesive security plan and maintain 60 days of video footage. Criminal background checks will be required for employees, and the law requires that the majority owners of the licensed companies have lived in Alabama for at least 15 continuous years before the application date.