After nearly five years of legislative approval and extensive litigation, Alabama’s medical cannabis program is finally approaching launch. According to Alabama.com, the first biomass was delivered to processors on April 10, with dispensaries expected to open in early to mid-May.

Alabama’s program prohibits smokable forms, restricting products to tablets, tinctures, patches, oils, and peach-flavored gummies. The production and testing process takes two to three weeks, ensuring quality control throughout the seed-to-sale tracking system.

Litigation from license applicants and frustrated parents significantly delayed the program’s implementation. Patients with qualifying conditions including cancer, PTSD, chronic pain, and Parkinson’s disease must register with the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission and obtain physician recommendations rather than prescriptions. Currently, 43 physicians are certified to recommend medical cannabis in Alabama.